Relationship Depression and How to Deal With It

If your relationship is starting to exhibit signs of problems after you have been together for a while, you could very well show signs of depression. If you have recently broken up with your boyfriend you can develop relationship depression and also show signs after you have gotten back together.

Of course you will wonder why you are depressed when your supposed to be happy that you have reunited with your ex boyfriend. What it could be is the feelings you still have from the bad experience that led up to the break up, these feelings may take awhile to fade away.

You probably experienced some intense emotional times leading up to your break up but now that the two of you are back together and you still feel sad when you should be happy. Why is it you are still experiencing this relationship depression?

The reasons for the bad times you had are still fresh on your mind. If your boyfriend had cheated on you, your trust in him has been lost. Even though the two of you are back together you still have those feelings of him cheating that will not go away.

You probably think if he cheated once he could do it again which itself could lead you to depression worrying over it. If someone has hurt you it is not easy to stay with them wondering when something will happen again. His getting back with you has put you in a position of possibly being hurt again and it is eating away at you.

Let's say you cheated on your partner. If they forgave you the chance is you will feel guilty about what you did. In some cases this can lead to relationship depression. You realize how much they must love you to forgive you and how much you have hurt them.

Your partner will have lost their trust in you. You could feel like your partner is watching your every move and asking a lot of questions because they have not rebuilt their trust in yet. You may never cheat on someone again but this does not make it better, you can still be depressed thinking about how you hurt someone.

Whatever the reason is that you broke up with your boyfriend or was on the verge of it, your life had reached a new low when considering breaking up. This is a difficult situation for almost everybody and if you get back together you cold still worry about repeating that situation.

Are You Tired, Irritable or Depressed?

According to 1994 studies, 15% of the U.S. adult population is iodine deficient. So can you imagine how much that percentage has climbed today? Even at 15% that means 1 out of 7 patients that walk into a physician's office is deficient yet medical doctors aren't ordering Urine I levels, even in goiter and hypothyroidism patients. In fact, most of my clients that have been determined "iodine deficient" were told by their MDs that their thyroid levels T3/T4 were fine. Yet, they had classic symptoms of thyroid disorders. Evidence proves that iodine deficiency predisposes a person to fibrocystic disease in the breast and breast cancer.

So, if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms:

Fatigue
weakness
weight gain
dry hair/skin
hair loss
cold intolerance
muscle cramps
constipation
depression
irritability
memory loss
abnormal menstrual cycles
decrease libido

Consider iodine testing today! 1 Year ago I lost my mother unexpectedly to Hashimoto's disease, a thyroid disorder that went undetected. It's my passion to get the word out and help save lives!!

IODINE TESTING

The iodine test I spoke about above is simple. We drop ship a 24-hour urine collection kit to your house. We ask that you avoid shellfish, excessive salt intake or any other high iodine level foods. At the beginning of your collection day we ask that you take an enclosed Iodoral tablet (a blend of iodine/potassium specially formulated). At the end of your 24-hour collection, you send the kit back to the Lab in the enclosed prepaid packaging. Test results are forwarded to me within approximately 5-7 business days where we then go over your labs and based on our findings, we provide a slow load of Iodoral that custom fits your needs.

The following positive improvements have been reported:

increase in energy
Increase in optimism
weight loss
Improved memory

I will testify that I am a "product of the product." My 40 pound weight loss and final life transformation is attributed to iodine testing which I talk about further in my book, "True Confessions of the Heart." For years I was trying to figure out why I couldn't lose weight. I worked out, got plenty of sleep and ate healthy yet, I couldn't lose weight. After being tested and confirmed that I was iodine deficient, I started to consume Iodoral. I have never felt better. The weight came off easier than I expected and I have kept it off for over a year. My energy level is high and I am more focused. So, if you wish to read my story, click on the Amazon link below.

Depression - Brief Definition

Depression can be defined as a mental state that is characterized by an attitude that is pessimistic and melancholic with a lack of mental and physical activity. When a person suffers from depression, there is a reduced amount of neurotransmitters located in the parts of the central nervous system of a person.

The depression also implies that the nervous system does not function properly due to this stimulation from neurotransmitters. With the deficiency serotonin and adrenalin, the nerve cells that send impulses to the other nerve cells, there is reduced activity in the brain that causes slowness in certain parts of the brain and this leads to depression.

The depression also relates to the deficiency of gamma amino butyric acid or GABA. When there is a reduced amount or lack of GABA in the brain, there is a slow response of some nerve impulses that result in anxiety and panic response. There are also other different types of depressive mechanisms that are involved in the process. They vary from person to person and they also influence the nature and the severity of depression.

The depression and its effects should be addressed at the earliest when the symptoms are experienced in a person. A depressed person does not have an interest in normal activities and tends to shun all kinds of social interaction. There is loss of sleep and appetite. The person desires to be left alone and isolated. There are negative emotions and an intense pessimism towards life and people.

There is a tendency to feel that the person is hopeless and does not have the desire to live. The depression definition can also induce a person to self injury and suicide. There are both natural and medical cures and remedies for depression and once a person falls prey to it, he/she should resort to them immediately.

Life Quotes to Revolutionize Your Life - Top 10 Ways Quotes Will Improve You

A few well chosen words can completely change your life for the better. Life Quotes are hugely popular today, because people are searching for answers and meaning to modern living. Not only do they bring you the wisdom of the ages and sages, but they can revolutionize your whole perspective on life.

Here are the Top 10 ways that reading Life Quotes will benefit you:

1 - Motivate and Energize - Do you have personal or professional goals you want to reach? Then you need something to inspire you. Life quotations can help awaken the sleeping giant inside and speed you to your destination.

2 - Your Child's True Potential - Inspire your child to reach their true potential by sharing great quotes with them. They can teach skills that make their journey to adulthood smoother and more rewarding.

3 - Relieve Stress - Stress is one of the top killers today. It can seriously damage your mental and physical health. Avoid it, get your priorities right and practise the wisdom of the greatest life sayings.

4 - Improve Conversation - Spice up your communication and conversation skills. Never be lost for words. Sound intelligent and interesting, with a few powerful quotes.

5 - Create a Smile - Become one of the most popular people in your group by bringing a smile to people's faces. Brighten up someone's day with a funny quote from life.

6 - The Meaning of Life - What's life really all about? Insightful quotations can help us understand the true meaning of life, so that we can appreciate and enjoy it all the more.

7 - Improve Grades - If you are a student looking to better your grades, why not consider using some good quotes in your next essay or assignment. It shows good research, and adds impact.

8 - Ease Depression - An inspirational quote a day is a great prescription for beating the blues.

9 - Impress Colleagues - The ability to use a brilliant quote will make you an instant hit with friends, and colleagues at the next office party.

10 - Improve Relationships - When you are away from someone you care about, why not send them a good quote. You can email, text or write it in a letter. They will appreciate you for it.

How to Cure the 5 Types of Depression

The most effective way to cure depression is to know exactly what type of depression a patient has because there are about 5 types. They are:

Major Depression Manic Depression (Also known as Bipolar Disorder) Dysthymia Postpartum Depression Seasonal Affective Disorder

Major depression has symptoms that are severe enough to last six months or longer if left untreated. If left untreated, it can have a major impact on the life of the sufferer.

Manic Depression also known as bipolar disorder can cause a sufferer to experience extremes that can range between a prolonged period of intense hyperactivity and devastating lows of inactivity.

Dysthymia is not as bad as major depression but it does have symptoms that can make it difficult for a sufferer to function normally.

Postpartum Depression is a debilitating emotional condition that affects many mothers after they give birth. It is a type of depression that is caused due to the lack of sunlight during autumn and winter. Sufferer normally feels better by spring and summer.

All the 5 types can be cured and many sufferers have overcome then, even major depression. Remember that any type of medical approach to depression has to depend on what type of depression a person is suffering from.

One example is if a person has a seasonal affective disorder, obviously then, the approach to curing that will be different to how to cure major depression. If a person does have seasonal affective disorder, it may simply require that the person get more exercise and remain outdoor for a little while longer than normal.

But whatever the case, you can overcome depression and get your life back.

What Is CBT?

What is CBT?
CBT, or cognitive behavioural therapy is a psychotherapeutic e.g. (treatment) approach to helping people fix emotional, cognitive and behavioural dysfunctions. A trained medical professional helps a patient to restore their quality of life using CBT, to change a patients thought processes, coping responses and behaviours.

How does CBT work?
CBT works by replacing undesirable thinking patterns with patterns of thinking that help the individual to cope with their problems. Thinking patterns such as over generalisation, magnifying negative thinking, and minimising positives are all examples of destructive thought patterns.

What techniques does CBT use:
CBT practitioners use a number of techniques:
Exposure and response reduction therapy - exposure to a stressor such as dirt in an individual that fears dirt, and then helping them to manage that stress response. This is relevant to people with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Stress inoculation (meaning that the individual is more resilient to stress)
Cognitive therapy (therapy aimed at memory, thinking skills, problem solving and decision making)
Acceptance and commitment therapy

The process of undertaking CBT:
1. Assessment - A qualified medical professional prescribes an examination to determine the best treatment plan.
2. Conceptualisation - re-framing the problem issues in a different way.
3. Learning new skills such as self-talk, exposure response, relaxation techniques and minimising negative thinking.
4. Skills consolidation and application training - Learning to apply the skills in practise and then using them in the real world. E.g.: talking to a stranger or attending a social event.
5. Generalisation and maintenance
6. Post-treatment assessment follow-up

What disorders does CBT treat?
Depression, anxiety, body issues, mood, personality and psychotic disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, substance abuse, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.

Who would benefit from CBT?
All people of different races, genders and ages can benefit from CBT.

How does CBT relate to depression
CBT is one of a number of effective treatments for clinical depression. It is used to change the negative views that depressed individuals have created for themselves during childhood as a response to stressful life events. These individuals benefit greatly from CBT, because it addresses these negative mechanisms and helps to adjust the thinking so that patient can return to healthy, positive and adaptive thinking.

CBT and anxiety disorders
CBT has been widely documented to help all anxiety disorders.

What happens during CBT?
CBT is undertaken with the help of a qualified medical professional such as a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist.

Why should you use CBT?
CBT is an approach to restoring people to positive psychological states of well-being. The obvious benefit of doing this is the restored quality of life that will be enjoyed by the individual seeking treatment. Quality of life will be reflected in improved self-esteem, less stress, better coping mechanisms, improved social skills and better work performance.

When is the best time to use CBT?
CBT can be used at any time that symptoms of mood disorders, personality disorders, mental illness, substance abuse or generally unwanted psychological states of distress are noticed.

CBT is a non-invasive, non-medication form of therapy that aims to help an individual change negative belief systems, problem behaviours and destructive ways of dealing with mental issues. With the help of a trained medical professional, CBT can be used to help with any number of mental illnesses and help restore an individuals quality of life.

Understanding Symptoms of Manic Depression In Children

Until recently, Bipolar disorder, a serious, nevertheless treatable mental illness was rarely diagnosis in young children. The symptoms of this mental illness included extreme changes in mood, energy, thinking, and behavior. Today, doctors can recognize this illness and treat them accordingly in young children.

Also known as manic depression, bipolar disorder symptoms can appear as early as infancy stage. The signs and symptoms include an erratic sleep patterns and much difficulty settling a baby who is diagnosed later in life as having bipolar disorder. Separation anxiety or extreme tantrums and rages may have had happened in the toddler's life.

While children with bipolar disorder do not experience the same syndromes that most adults do, children with bipolar disorder still display signs and traits like changes in mood and behavior that is known to be symptoms of the disorder. Children suffering from moods swings are known as episodes and there are generally two types of episodes. Episodes of extreme elation or agitation followed by high energy are known as mania. Persistent states of extreme sadness or irritability followed by low energy are known as depression.

Unlike most adults, manic depression may seem to be different in children. Children more often suffer from an ongoing mood disturbance that is a mix of mania and depression. This rapid and severe cycling between moods produces chronic irritability and few clear periods of wellness between episodes. Rapid cycling is common among children with bipolar disorder and they may well experience several episodes of mania and depression within a single day. They may also experience mixed cycling where the symptoms of both mania and depression occur simultaneously.

It is also common to find other mental disorders to be diagnosed in bipolar children. These other diagnoses may be in addition to the bipolar disorder, or they may be an incorrect diagnosis of symptoms of bipolar disorder. Some of the commonly found mental disorders are Depression, ADHD (Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder), schizophrenia, and Tourette syndrome.

Today, it is suspected that numerous children diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD) actually have bipolar disorder instead of ADHD. Misdiagnosis on the doctors' part can lead to giving the wrong medication. This can be a serious mistake as it could easily trigger mania or suicidal thoughts within the children.

For some teenagers, it is found that a dearly loss or other traumatic event could trigger a first episode of depression or mania. In later stages, episodes can happen without any obvious stresses, or could even worsen if stress comes along into their life. Puberty is also a time of risk. In girls, the beginning of menstruation may trigger the illness, and symptoms often vary in severity with the monthly cycle.

Early intervention and treatment is the best bet to help young children recover from bipolar disorder. It is also the best chance for them to achieve stability and grow up to enjoy their life thereafter. Effective treatment should be soughed out as fast as possible to control the symptoms and to diminish the negative effects of the illness on their young lives and those who love them so dearly.

Are the Foods You Eat Making You Sick? Identifying Food Allergies

We have all heard the old saying, "You are what you eat." Unfortunately, for many people, food is a source of chronic illness. Food allergies and food intolerances can create a host of health problems--from hives and anaphylaxis, to eczema, asthma, headaches, sinus infections, celiac disease, digestive issues, depression, fibromyalgia, autoimmune diseases, and many others conditions.

Over fifty million people--that's one out of five people in the U.S. suffer from allergies. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, one out of twenty children under the age of five and one out of twenty-five adults are allergic to at least one food. The number of people affected by food intolerances is suspected to be higher.

Food Allergy or Food Intolerance

The terms food allergies and food intolerances are often used interchangeably, although they have two different definitions. A food allergy is when the body's immune system generates an immunological reaction when exposed to a food allergen. The symptoms of a food allergen appear quickly, such as eating a peanut and then getting hives or a skin rash or even anaphylaxis minutes to hours later. The term food intolerance is used to describe reactions to foods, however the immune system is not directly involved. People with food intolerances can experience a variety of symptoms including headaches, brain fog, fatigue, depression, stomach aches, eczema, asthma, colic, joint pains, insomnia, and many other symptoms, but the symptoms are usually delayed and can occur hours to days after eating the irritating food.

The Top Ten Food Allergies

The list of the most common food allergens includes: wheat, eggs, dairy, soybean products, corn, citrus fruits, nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers and potatoes), peanuts, shellfish and alcohol. Babies and young children are most often allergic to milk, eggs, wheat, soybean products, and peanuts. Older children and adults are most often allergic to peanuts, tree nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews), fish and shellfish.

The Elimination / Rechallenge Diet

The gold standard for assessing food allergies is the elimination/rechallenge diet which involves eating a restricted diet, avoiding any potential food allergen for four to six weeks, then reintroducing a suspected food allergen into the diet and observing any reaction. The advantages of this testing method include:

• People can easily identify an adverse reaction to a food when they reintroduce it to the diet
• There is no added cost or expensive testing involved with this diet

The cons to this diet include:
• Many people find it difficult to stick to a restricted diet for 4 - 6 weeks
• It takes extra effort to buy and prepare hypoallergenic meals

ELISA (Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay) Testing
This method of food allergy testing is done through a blood test where serum is measured for specific immune markers--IgE and IgG antibodies--to specific foods. The advantages of this testing include:

• Less time consuming than the elimination/rechallenge diet
• It can be safer than skin prick testing if a person has anaphylaxis reactions to foods
• The results can be very motivating for people to change their diets

The disadvantages of this test include:

• This testing is not 100% accurate or reliable
• Some people show high levels of immune markers, such as IgE antibodies, but when they eat the food they do not have adverse reactions

How to Heal from Food Allergies and Intolerances

Healing from food allergies or food intolerances usually involves some avoidance of the foods that aggravate symptoms for a period of at least 3 to 6 months, sometimes longer. The avoidance of food triggers will help decrease inflammation in the body and give the body time to heal. There are a variety of supplements used to help heal the lining of the intestine. Probiotics are an essential component of reestablishing the bacterial balance in the digestive tract and encouraging intestinal healing. The probiotic strains with the most research include lactobacillius rhamnosus GG, bifidobacteria and saccroymyces boullardi, which is actually a strain of yeast that helps balance intestinal flora. Other nutritional supplements used to heal the gut include:

• Digestive enzymes used to help breakdown food
• L-glutamine, an amino acid used to heal the lining of the intestine
• Whey protein powder used to strengthen the immune system in the gut (not recommended for people with dairy allergies)
• Quercetin, a bioflavonoid used to prevent histamine reactions
• Drinking green tea can decrease allergic reactions

Healing food allergies and food intolerances requires effort. It requires the willingness to change your diet and your lifestyle. There are many health care practitioners who specialize in treating food allergies and food intolerances. Consider consulting with your local health provider to learn more about identifying and healing food allergies.

The Depression Quiz - Could You Be Depressed?

I was researching the term "depression" today on the internet. My best friend has been depressed for the past couple of weeks and I wanted to find out some natural remedies for her. I ran across a quiz to evaluate your risk for depression on the WebMd.com site. The study displayed was funded by Lilly USA.

I decided to take the following ten question quiz subtitled Could You be Depressed? thinking it could be helpful to know my potential for depression and give me more information that I could share with my friend. The quiz statements are shown below in italics and my comments and answers in the standard font.

1. I feel sad of down most of the time. My daily life is fulfilling and productive, so I said NO.
2. I've lost interest in the activities I used to enjoy. I enjoy all my hobbies and interest and continue to expand my range of activities, so I said NO to this question too.
3. I feel tired almost every day. Being on my antiaging remedies and therapies, I feel very energetic and have lots of energy. I said NO to this.
4. I have problems sleeping. I'm either sleeping too much or staying awake at night. I said NO to this question. I fall asleep readily and sleep at least seven to eight hours straight. If I wake up during the night, I can fall asleep again right away. So, I said NO to this.
5. My appetite has changed. I'm not eating enough, or I'm eating too much. My appetite has stayed at a healthy level. I eat lots of raw fruits and vegetables. I'm taking in nutrients, no calories, so I said NO.
6. I have trouble concentrating. I take 240 mg of Ginkgo Biloba Extract, 1,000 mg of Phosphatidylserine (PS) and 30 mg of Vinpocetine daily. I am alert, attentive and focused. I said NO to question six.
7. My friends say I'm acting different. I'm either anxious and restless or lethargic. My friends have always said that I'm calm and steady and that hasn't changed, so I said NO to this.
8. I feel worthless or hopeless. I was starting to feel like this study was trying to prey on my deep-seated insecurities. I gave this question careful and extended thought, but couldn't come up with one reason I should feel worthless or have no hope. Even with the economy tanking and possible global warming, I feel optimistic about the present and the future. So, I said NO to question eight.
9. I'm having frequent headaches, stomach problems, muscle pain, or back problems. I eat well, stretch and workout 4 days a week. I walk about 30 minutes every night and swim in the ocean as much as I can, so I'm relaxed and cope well with stress. I don't have headaches, stomach or muscle pain. Through chiropractic treatments and doing Tai Chi, my back problems are a thing of the past. I said NO.
10. I find myself thinking a lot about dying. No. I find myself thinking a lot about living and finding ways to increase the quality of my life and the lives of others through my writings and my new book.

I felt really good about myself after taking this quiz. They had asked some probing questions and were concerned about whether I had experienced conditions that could come up as I age. I was quite pleased that I could answer no to these ten questions. Now, for the moment of truth. I clicked on the submit button to see my results:

"Rate Your Risk for Depression -- Your Results

"Lower Risk"

You may be at risk for major depression.

You replied that you are feeling four or fewer of the common symptoms of depression. In general, people experiencing depression have five or more common symptoms of the condition. But every individual is unique. If you are concerned about depression, talk with your doctor.

Depression shows up in many different ways. People often lose interest in favorite activities and feel sad or hopeless. They may also have sleep problems, gain or lose weight, feel irritable or angry, or be in physical pain for unexplained reasons. Feeling guilty, anxious or having difficulty concentrating are also common signs of depression. Fortunately, there are many ways to treat depression, and more than 80% of people treated for depression improve within a year."

What! I had answered NO to all ten questions, yet they were still counseling me that I could be at risk for major depression! Coincidently, just to the right of the results was an ad for Cymbalta(TM), you know, just in case I felt the need to be medicated, despite the fact that I exhibit not one symptom of depression.

As the day went on, I started to consider the possibility that I could be even happier, feel more worthy, and have even more hope. My friends would comment that I have changed. They would tell me I'm better than I was before. I decided to look at what Cymbalta(TM) could do for me. At http://www.cymbalta.com, I found that I could expect "unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity." The site recommended that while taking Cymbalta(TM), I should tell my healthcare provider:

"if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported

if you have high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles to address a possible life-threatening condition...

if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta(TM) or when increasing the dose. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta(TM)."

Other possible side effects are "mild to moderate nausea, dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite and increase sweating. They mention that there are more side effects that will be given to you by your healthcare provider or the pharmacist when you actually fill your prescription. Wow, I can't wait for this.

I carefully weighed all the information given to me and decided that I would not gamble my current level of happiness, feelings of self-worth and hopefulness for the possibilities that Cymbalta(TM) held out to me. I started wondering why people suffering from pain and depression are not seeking root causes and nutritional remedies and the simple emotional lift of exercise.

Cymbalta(TM) is also being marketed as a medication for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, for fibromyalgia, back pain, pain after surgery and, get this, depression from bereavement. Eli Lilly would like you pay for a Cymbalta(TM) prescription and take it for 8 weeks or more, rather than allow you to go through the natural grieving process after losing a loved one. Considering all the side effects and the dangers of withdrawal - rage, psychotic disorders, and suicidal thoughts - it seems that Eli Lilly has set aside compassion for human suffering in the interests of company profits.

I went to coreynahman dot com to view the antidepressant drugs data base and found that the Cymbalta(TM) capsule from Eli Lilly was expensive. A 60 mg capsule (maintenance dose) will cost you about $3.35 per pill. (That is over $100.00 per month.) Patient forums on the internet frequently report that, over time, they need to take higher doses to get the same effect, so that cost per month can also grow.

There are many references to natural remedies in my book that pertain to depression. On page 24, you can learn how DHEA supplementation helps with depression. Take 25 mg of DHEA in the morning and one at night for the cost of $ .16. On page 62, read about Ultra H3. Two tabs per day will cost you $1.10. Go to page 350 and learn how vitamin D3 stops depression in its tracts. Take two drops per day for a cost of $ .14.

Gotu Kola is a natural substance that helps depression. Take one capsule per day for a cost of $ .10. Then, on page 484, learn about Toco-8. One serving will cost you $ .50 per day.

If you add up the costs all of these natural remedies, the total cost per day comes to $2.16, saving you over $35 per month versus Cymbalta(TM) and here is the good thing. There are no side effects with these natural remedies and they will add much more value to your health and the effectiveness of your immune system.

The thing to realize is when you are depressed, you do not have a Cymbalta(TM) deficiency. You might have other nutrient or a vitamin D deficiency but those can be corrected naturally without all of the horrible side effects you get by taking Cymbalta(TM).

All depression is not caused by poor nutrition, but it certainly contributes in many cases, and research has shown that inadequate nutrition-a lack of minerals and vitamins-will always make a depression worse.

7 Secrets of Success in a Recession

I call them secrets only because of what I see all around me. Everywhere I go people are talking about how bad things are and how terrible the economy is and on and on; so clearly they must be secrets. To me these "secrets" are simply principles that can be applied in any economy, recession or no recession, to achieve success. The only difference is in the mechanical how-to's during trying times such as these. You may have to change the WAY you do things, but not what you do. Admittedly, times are tough. But who are we to cower away in the face of adversity?

1. Stop Worrying! I mean it, stop thinking about how bad things are, stop obsessing over how much value your property has lost, or what the stock market is doing, or whatever it is you're worrying about right now. Worry is destroying you in more ways than you know. It does a fantastic job at eliminating any creativity that you may have. It robs you of precious sleep. It causes a loss of appetite and hence poor nutrition to fuel your body. And it puts you into a destructive frame of mind. None of these things will help you. I will drive this point home with a part of the inaugural speech given by Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1933:

"This is preeminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself-nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory."

This is eerily relevant today. In fact, it almost sounds as if it were written for the conditions we are facing today. But it was not. It was written during the Great Depression. And we all know; that story has a happy ending. So Stop Worrying!

2. Turn Off the News. Every time I happen to be in a room where the T.V. is tuned in to a news station, I am assaulted by terrible stories about death, murder, robbery, arson, plummeting stock markets and housing prices, banks shutting down, and on and on. Listen. I rarely watch the news and I know what is going on around me. I'm not missing anything terribly important because there is always someone who is constantly watching the news to let me know if I am. News is big business. The purpose of a business is to attract and keep a customer. Stories of puppy dogs and ice cream don't sell, but drama does. Scandal sells. Sex sells. And since this is what keeps the attention of the masses, this is what they report. It's doing nothing but reminding you that you should be worried. Turn it off and leave it off.

3. Study the Past. It has been said that to know where we are going, we must first know where we have been. There are stories of success in times of far greater adversity than we face now. The revolutionary war is an excellent example. Look at Hewlett Packard, Proctor & Gamble, and Chevrolet during the late 1920's and early 1930's when the Great Depression was at its worst. These are stories of success, increased market share, and creating an empire at times when others drifted off into oblivion as a result of fear paralysis. The unfortunate thing about the failures of these time periods was that it really was the mindset that the majority had which caused them to fail. Those who decided to act in spite of the fear made millions, created a new nation, and outsold their competitors. Study the past for stories of success during adversity. This will give you the inspiration to believe it is possible for you to create your success in today's trying times. Study the past.

4. Ask the Question: How Can I? If you just did this one thing over and over, you would be amazed at what you could create. Successful people look at problems and ask themselves how they can solve them, unsuccessful people look at problems and say, I can't do this, or I can't afford that or, we'll never be able to go there and so on. By asking how can I, you open up your mind to the creativity we all have within us to do incredible things. Like Henry Ford said "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." Focus on how you can give more, be more, create more, and serve more. In the words of John F. Kennedy, "Ask not what your country can do for you, rather what can you do for your country." Ask How Can I?

5. Focus On Your Circle of Influence. There are things we can control and things we cannot. Your job is to focus your energy only on the things you can control, your circle of influence. To worry about and focus on all the negativity and bad news of the recession is distracting you from focusing on what you can actually do something about. The serenity prayer comes to mind: Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Focus!

6. Stop Waiting. Don't wait for the timing to be right, for the economy to get better, for the value of your home to go back up, for the kids to get through school, for the weather to warm back up, and on and on. Someone close to me just told me how he wants to open his own business. He tells me that if he had done it 3 years ago when he had the opportunity, he would be close to financial independence. He decided at the time to wait until the timing was "just right." Now with the economy the way it is, there's just no way he can do it. He said he would have to wait until the economy improved and when that happens, he will make his move. I was speechless... This quote perfectly sums it up:

"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin-real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. At last it dawned on me that those obstacles were my life....

"This perspective has helped me to see that there is no way to happiness. Happiness is the way. So, treasure every moment that you have. And treasure it more because you shared it with someone special, special enough to spend your time with. And remember that time waits for no one."
Father Alfred D'souza (Australian, died 2004)

Whatever it is you want to do, Do it now!

7. Make a Commitment. Commit to yourself that you are going to do what you know you should to turn your life around. Success is a process defined simply as the deliberate pursuit of a worthwhile goal. Success is not the destination at the end of a long journey, it is the journey. There is no failure except for the acceptance of it. Commit to taking control of your life instead of being controlled by it. And when I say commit to it, I mean to give yourself no other option. Burn the bridges that lead back to mediocrity and refuse to look back. When you stumble or you don't get what you set out to get, realize that the result is simply feedback and not something that defines or labels you as a failure. We live in a world of cause and effect. If the effect you elicit isn't the effect you wanted, congratulations! You found a way not to do it. Try again. Failure to achieve what you want to achieve is simply your internal GPS telling you that you made a wrong turn. If this happened on a road trip and your Garmin told you that you made a wrong turn, would you turn off your engine, put your head in your hands and give up? Of course not, you would regroup and start again. Life is no different. Focus on the end result. Commit to getting there. Don't quit no matter what happens. And take action now!

Detecting Suicide Signs in Marriage

As life is not perfect, there's bound to be imperfections in people and in their relationships. That's why marriage, as in any relationship, is not made in heaven. Trials will always come along although couples also deserve to experience happiness in their life. As they say, it's an up and down hill that people go through in their lifetime.

It's a reality that some people can't help but feel sad when they're having problems in their marital relationship. They're easily affected by the trials that they face and at times, this sadness can even stay with them for a long time. When this happens, there's a big likelihood for depression to occur.

As depression sets in and no immediate aid is provided, an individual can develop suicidal tendency. This is the stage when a person is deeply sad and does not respond to support or does not want to be treated. There is then the urge to just end life.

As married couples, you vowed to help and support each through good times and bad. It is, therefore, important that you get to know each other's personality very well through proper communication. Discussing issues that matter in your marriage is helpful in figuring out the ways to further nurture your relationship. Other than marital issues, openly talking out about your feelings, thoughts and opinions is also essential.

Sometimes, couples tend to feel confident that they already know their partner from head to foot after their initial years of marriage. The others especially those who had a long engagement may feel the same way. It's only then when a strange character trait reveals itself that they realize that they still miss something.

How then can you detect the warning signs of suicide in your spouse? Should you be bothered by a sudden change in attitude or behavior? How then can you help your loved one who is a suicide risk?

According to experts, majority of people who are at risk of suicide tell somebody about their plan. They also show some warning signs.

* Long depression. Being depressed for a long time is a common cause for suicide.
* Withdrawal. They may withdraw from family and friends and stop communicating to them.
* Mood changes. They may experience extreme changes in their moods from being excited to feeling sad right away.
* Change in sleep pattern. As these people are often bothered, they may have difficulty following their usual sleeping habit.
* Loss of appetite. Most depressed people lose their appetite or may eat very little.
* Talking about death. Suicidal people who are the verbal type may talk about committing suicide or death. The silent type may communicate this thought through writing a letter.
* Feeling guilty or shameful. People who may be in this situation are those who have had an illicit affair or who may have spent a huge sum of their spouse's money.
* Poor performance. This can show in the workplace or at home. Suicidal people can lose interest in their daily activities and therefore may no longer be willing to do their work well.

Talk to a marriage counselor or therapist right away if you ever suspect your spouse to be at risk of suicide. It is not a shame to approach a counselor. Think that you're doing it to save your marriage and to save the life of your loved one.

How to Cope With Manic Depression

Coping with manic depression, otherwise known as bi-polar disorder, can be a real challenge for the individual suffering with the disease. It is difficult for the person suffering with it, and on those around them. Knowing that your condition has serious effects upon those you love can even serve to aggravate the conditions. Knowing what to expect from your illness and planning out methods of coping with the symptoms goes a long way in alleviating the stress and anxiety of this serious illness.

Step One: Know that it is a disease. Manic depression is not a personal deficiency. It is not something you choose to have. You are not feeling sorry for yourself. You are not over-acting. You have a real illness. Do not let what others may think influence how you feel about yourself, and treat yourself. Most of what those who have not dealt with mental disorders know about the facts are full of misinformation. While you may not be able to educate everyone, focus on dealing with those closest to you as they learn about what bi-polar illness is, and how to effectively help you deal with the illness.

Step Two: Learn to keep stress to a minimum. Stress is a huge factor in triggering manic depressive attacks. You may feel like your body has betrayed you after being diagnosed with manic depression. Do not allow the feelings of betrayal to overwhelm you. It is okay to feel upset about the fact that your world has been turned upside down. That's natural for anyone. Recognize the need for anger and grief and let them have their place, but don't focus on them. Instead, focus on all of the positive things that you can do to make your life fuller and happier. Knowing what the problem is can be half the battle.

Step Three: Keep accurate track of your medications. Your prescribed medicines will help you control the hold that manic depression has on your life. In order to be able to live your life to the fullest you need to have those emotional highs and lows under complete control. Your medicines are your lifeline. Make a chart with what medicines to take when on it, and follow it religiously.

Step Four: Keep a plan of action. Just like your medicine chart, a plan of action for daily needs is a great way to be sure you do not lose track of the things you need to do. Make extensive to do lists and follow them. Set each item on the list as a small goal. If there are larger items that need to be accomplished break them up into smaller individual goals to get there. That will keep you from feeling too overwhelmed by large tasks. Completing each item will give you a sense of accomplishment, and finalizing your day will make you feel wonderful and independent.

Step Five: Keep a diary. Talking about your problems to friends and family is a great way to alleviate the feelings of lonliness and stress of a mental disorder. Another important way to deal with your illness is to keep a diary. Write in it every day. The good and the bad. That way when you are feeling really upset, or emotional, you can look back and see what made you feel that way before and how you coped with it, or what made you happy on good days and how you can get out of the bad areas this time.

Keeping a diary can also help to show you if you are making improvements and the bad days are less than the good ones. It can also alert you to trouble if the bad days are beginning to catch up to the good ones in number. Most of all, keeping a diary just helps in allowing you to talk it out with yourself.

You can live a wonderful, happy, and productive live while dealing with bi-polar disorder. Your friends and your family will be with you on your journey and you can be independent and enjoy the world again with just a little planning.

PMDD and Bipolar Disorder - Are They Linked?

If you know anything about PMDD you will know that it comes with some extreme moods and extreme changes in moods which puts many people thinking about bipolar disorder. Some PMDD sufferers may even think they might have bipolar disorder which is a scary thought as well. But do PMDD and bipolar disorder have any real proven links or is it just a few similarities that make these conditions seem like they could have links?

What is Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a condition which is also known as manic depressive because the highs and lows a person feels with this disorder is on the extreme ends. For a time they can be extremely depressed, low, and even suicidal. However, they can very quickly change to a state of extreme highs which is the manic state. They can go with very little sleep for many days and seem full of energy and ideas. This is almost as bad sometimes because it wears them and everyone else out and they take more risks and do not have a balanced life during any phase.

What is PMDD

PMDD or Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder is a disorder that effects your moods as well, but also many other psychological and physical symptoms. With PMDD the mood regulators in the brain are not working as they should, but this only happens during the last week of your menstrual cycle when your hormones are completely out of balance. This can lead to depression and anger and anxiety. It can also make you sleep less, or more, and change your appetite and many other things. This stops very soon after you start to bleed however.

As you can see the conditions only really intersect with the low moods. Bipolar has no exact trigger for changing these moods like PMDD does, and PMDD does not have the extreme highs that manic depressives do.

Knowing this, PMDD and Bipolar disorder are not strongly linked except for malfunctions in the brain chemistry that regulates mood. While bipolar disorder is very difficult to treat, PMDD is not as bad because the root causes of this problem are hormonal and we can balance our hormones using natural methods and lifestyle changes.

My Holistic Medical Experiences With Sugar: Migraines, Blood Sugar, and Intestinal Yeast Infections

My Beginnings with Holistic Medicine

Holistic medicine is everything that lies outside of Western conventional allopathic medicine. I can't possibly write on such a breadth of alternative health, nor am I qualified. My background and training is as a logical rational trained research scientist, a world where anything of value must be proven by double blind experimentally sound scientific studies.

In 1991, I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. This is quite unusual to have at age 50, as this disease, or Manic Depression as it is also called, usually doesn't strike past the age of 40. I was in clinical depression when my wife Marcia dragged me into Manhattan from our home on Long Island about an hour and a quarter drive by car. A friend of hers, our insurance agent Jerry, suggested that the Atkins Center could help. Robert Atkins M.D. died a few years ago, but back in 1991 he had a five or six storied building that was devoted to what he termed Complementary Medicine. Complementary meant that the good Dr. Atkins was adding certain holistic medical approaches to his internal medicine cardiology traditional training. Upon arrival early in the morning, I was given a 5 hour blood glucose tolerance to determine whether I was either hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemic (possibly diabetic), blood was withdrawn for a variety of analyses, stool samples were collected, and food and other allergies were tested.

By the end of the day I had a bag full of vitamins, was told that I had yeast in my intestinal tract, and I went on the Atkins high protein, low carbohydrate diet. In that same year Marcia also dragged me to our first alternative medical conference in Manhattan. None of the approaches offered, even the orthomolecular psychiatry at the Atkins Center, relieved the clinical depression but it did start me on a journey with holistic medicine. Today, I practice my own brand of complementary medicine strictly for myself and for anyone else who wants to listen. Back in 1991 I didn't know that when I returned to Stony Brook University in August of 2000 to once again take up my professorial duties after a five year long term disability leave of absence from Bipolar Disorder that I would offer an eight hour course on nutritional medicine for the dental students. Much of what I have gleaned I put into this course on nutrition. I discuss a tiny bit of it here.

Sugar and Migraines

When I was twenty-seven and returned to Toronto from Israel with my Ph.D. in Biophysics, my headaches that I had all my life turned into migraines that I thought I would now have all my life. The migraines were much worse and my pain took on a new dimension of intensity. I had learned to tolerate pain since age four but this pain was excruciating. Migraine headaches are vascular in nature where one first triggers the vasoconstriction or squeezing of blood vessels in the head and neck followed by the vasodilation or expansion of blood vessels. During the second vascular phase, the blood vessels expand way past where they originally started and the poor migraine sufferer feels the horrific throbbing of the migraine. I don't know about giving birth but you can't imagine what the pain is like unless you are a migraine sufferer yourself.

After years of living with this physical pain, I read a book by a South American doctor in the early eighties on the relationship of sugar to migraines. I can't remember his name or the name of the book, but I do remember what the doctor wrote. He said that sugar triggered a migraine in certain individuals who were susceptible to the biochemical changes initiated by sugar. My science background allowed me to understand what the doctor was suggesting and I was looking for any explanation for my migraines as I was desperate. I had gone to the Headache Clinic at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, New York and no such explanation was offered. Basically, table sugar or the disaccharide sucrose gets broken down to the monosaccharides, glucose and fructose, in the body and causes insulin to be secreted by the pancreas.

The insulin is needed to transport the glucose breakdown sugar of the sucrose into our cells for energy, for work in our muscles, and for making triglycerides in our fat cells. A complex biochemical process takes place and there is an exchange of certain ions like magnesium and calcium across cell membranes that cause changes in the bioelectric character of the cells. If too much sucrose is broken down to glucose, the pancreas will secrete an overabundance of insulin. The insulin action can actually reduce the blood sugar levels to even lower levels than normally found in a person's bloodstream, sometimes to a level which is considered hypoglycemic. The decrease in blood glucose triggers the body to secrete the hormones, epinephrine (adrenaline) and norepinephrine (noradrenaline), to cause the breakdown of glycogen stored in our cells in order to raise and rebalance our blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels are actually our blood sugar levels but use of the word sugar is actually a misnomer because when we say sugar, we usually mean sucrose but it is the breakdown product of sucrose which is glucose. In any event, the secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine can be a problem in some migraine sufferers whose blood vessels are sensitive and susceptible because these hormones or neurotransmitters, in addition to breaking down glycogen which is a string of glucose molecules, cause vasoconstriction of the skin blood vessels in the head, neck and shoulders. The consequence is that the migraine will commence and becomes difficult to arrest.

The South American doctor noted that shortly after taking sweets, the migraine began in individuals. Anywhere from forty-five to ninety minutes after the sweets would do it. I noted his findings in the early 1980s in my head but never attempted to carefully watch my foods. That is until the Atkins Center in 1991. I weighed 175 pounds at the beginning of my treatment at the Atkins Center. A couple of months later on a carbohydrate-restricted diet I was 150 pounds. Miraculously the migraines disappeared at the lower weight. When I gained the weight back, the migraines returned. Not a double blind study for a scientist although it convinced me that there was some validity to the relationship of sucrose to migraines. I still haven't seen any writings on this subject; however, I suggest you try it to see if there is a relationship of sugar to your migraines. There may not be. Migraines have other causes such as food allergies and genetics but it may be worth a try.

As a corollary to this story, my migraines had an additional component. I have done regression therapy, Primal Therapy, back to my mother's womb and have eliminated the emotional component of my migraines. I was able to feel my repressed rage in the womb. I no longer suffer from migraines though if I don't watch the sugar, and even if I do, I still get muscle pain. In Florida, I get pain that localizes in my temples which may be an entirely different kettle of fish or a horse of a different color. Thank God, the migraines have left. A lot of supermarket foods have sucrose or glucose in them, so you need to read labels. You are trying to keep all sugar containing products to a minimum. Let's move on to a related topic.

Sugar and Why You Can Gain Weight

Low carbohydrate was the whole premise for the Atkins diet to lose weight and it does work if you restrict your diet according to his suggestions. There has been a lot of controversy over the Atkins diet that you can read about elsewhere. With Dr. Atkin's death, the diet has lost some traction although there are still quite a few successful imitations out there. Some argue that the diet is not a healthy one and it is a truism that there is risk with everything. I'm back to my 175 pound weight but I do watch the sugar. The truth is that only about twenty-five percent of us can adequately metabolize sugar and get it out of our bodies quickly so that it doesn't cause weight gain. The rest of us can be affected by ingesting carbohydrates. It's also a fact that although total daily calories are important, you can reach a state when you are older when it's not how much you eat but what you eat. You probably ask yourself why you are gaining weight when you are hardly eating, or so you believe. The whole weight loss syndrome is like making your way through a mine field.

I don't want to get too technical or give you scientific explanations that I don't myself have at my fingertips, but have you ever heard of insulin resistance. Holistic doctors talk about insulin resistance in relation to becoming pre-diabetic and eventually diabetic and the relationship to being overweight. But why are some skinnier people diabetic while some overweight people do not have the illness?

When sugar is broken down, we said above that through a complex biochemical process the glucose gets transported into our cells. This happens not only for table sugar but also for a starch like a potato that gets broken down into glucose or any simple carbohydrate like too much popcorn at the movies. We need that glucose for all our cells to provide energy in the form of ATP when the glucose reacts with oxygen inside our cells. The brain needs lots of energy and requires about 20% of our blood glucose. In addition to energy our muscles need the glucose to convert to lactic acid so that they can function for example in throwing a punch or in exercise. Finally the glucose gets transported into our fat cells and initially forms triglycerides which can be assimilated, with the components of the triglyceride being converted into other lipids inside our fat cells. It is all of these lipids that form which can put on weight, especially if we are storing more fat than we are burning. In the Atkins diet, the low carbohydrate-high protein diet forces the body to burn fat and thus Atkins saw the weight loss in his patients. If the weight loss is dramatic as in a very overweight person then if you have Type 2 diabetes, and you may not, the diabetes can be partially or fully reversed since the pancreas still has the potential to produce insulin. At the higher weight with so much sugar in the bloodstream, it is necessary for your doctor to prescribe insulin for you. At the lower weight your own insulin can do the job in controlling the blood glucose.

Insulin resistance first happens for the energy in our cells and brain although we usually have enough to function. There is a slowing down of the rate of glucose transport (thus the amount of glucose removed from the bloodstream is also decreased) which can be increased through medications such as Metformin or a nutritional supplement known as alpha lipoic acid. Now the glucose has accelerated more into our muscles and fat cells than into our cells and brain. This can happen at 150 pounds or 275 pounds depending on the person and his or her biochemistry. Next the muscles slow down in the insulin transport of glucose, so the best option for the body turns out to be transporting the glucose into fat cells. The muscle cells in addition to our other body cells have become more insulin resistant. The last to become insulin resistant are the fat cells, so if we are susceptible, we will gain weight until our fat cells become insulin resistant. We may weigh 350 pounds but we may still not be that bad in terms of insulin resistance in the fat cell systems. We keep gaining weight because we haven't reached insulin resistance with our fat cells. Or we can be that 175 pounds and already be insulin resistant everywhere. Once all three systems become significantly insulin resistant, the blood sugar (blood glucose) levels may rise to the point where we are considered pre-diabetic. The insulin from the pancreas responding to the glucose in the bloodstream can no longer do its job. When levels of glucose go even higher in the bloodstream, diabetes can occur irrespective of whether you are fat or skinny. There is however more of a correlation between diabetes and being overweight for other biochemical reasons.

A Tip in Preventing Intestinal Yeast Infections

Sugar can have detrimental effects on aggravating heart disease and cancer. It also can be a problem in some of us if we acquire an intestinal yeast infection because yeast such as Candida albicans love sugar. I should warn you that traditional allopathic medical doctors don't believe in intestinal yeast infections even though they do accept oral and vaginal yeast infections. As a scientist having experienced the effects of yeast, I am a believer. It's a lot more difficult to get rid of something than to acquire something. Some people say that about their marriages. Yeast in your large intestine can wreak havoc on you in similar ways that heavy metal contamination with mercury can. Or yeast can cause similar symptoms as a low thyroid or having the low blood sugar levels of hypoglycemia. A couple of the telling signs of yeast are bloating and brain fog but stool cultures and blood tests are needed to confirm an intestinal yeast infection. Mine was confirmed in 1991 at the Atkins Center. Yeast are very difficult to eliminate and a doctor who knows what he is doing is required. Intermixed with all of this is yeast allergy and the possibility of what I call yeast psychiatry. You may suffer clinical depression from the yeast and your family doctor may tell you that you need a psychiatrist. Chances are that you will need to go on a restricted carbohydrate diet.

While you are killing off the yeast and building your immune system to attack the yeast from the inside of your body outwards, you need to replace your intestinal tract with what we call good bacteria. When the yeast take over they replace all your good bacteria. Back in the early nineties, we compared a bunch of commercial products for their good bacteria. It turned out that many of the commercial products had no live bacteria or were contaminated. We never published this work but you do need a product with live bacteria like that found in some organic yogurts in order for the bacteria to attach and adhere to the intestinal wall. I still use one of these products today. It's called Kyo-Dophilus. I assure you that I have no stock in the company. There are others and you can ask your Health Food Store to recommend a product.

My tip is for prevention of yeast. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics that kill a wide variety of bacteria (both gram positive and gram negative bacteria) can alter the bacterial flora composition in the intestinal tract making it easier for yeast to take hold. Every time you take a pill of your broad spectrum antibiotic, you need to follow that one and a half hours to two hours later with two Kyo-Doplilus capsules or a similar product. You let the antibiotic first go through your digestive system and then follow a couple of hours later with the good bacteria. The antibiotic each time you take it is destroying good bacteria and you need to replace it with new good bacteria. The use of good bacteria seems also to help with vaginal yeast infections.

Conclusion

Many years ago before we all were born, the sweet taste was satisfied by the berries that our ancestors picked in the wild. Today sugar has become a staple of the American diet and our children love it. The refinement of white sugar from sugar cane is the culprit and we have gotten accustomed to the sweet taste. Food producers place sucrose or glucose or sugar derivatives like corn syrup into a majority of the products found on supermarket shelves. You might ask the question, "What is it about sugar that we like?" I'll leave you with a brief badly designed experiment that was conducted with baby rats. researchers placed the rat pups on a hotplate and the pups only lasted a few seconds before jumping off the hot plate. If the scientists pre-fed the pups sugared-water, the pups were able to stay on the hotplate significantly longer. The conclusion was that sugar stimulates the rat and presumably our endorphin system which distracts us from the pain. Anything in life that gives us an endorphin high in life makes us feel good. Yet every action has a reaction and their our costs for pursuing the good life.

Health Insurance Providers and Pre Existing Conditions

Health insurance providers and pre existing conditions are a volatile combination. Pre existing conditions are health issues that were known of prior to seeking a health insurance policy, such as diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, depression, obesity and more. Having such a condition means that you may be refused coverage. Disclosure of these conditions enables providers to limit the risks they take on. However, if you have an issue in your medical history, you have no choice but to disclose it, as companies do their research too and non-disclosure could result in cancellation of a policy. However, there are ways to get coverage despite having a pre existing condition.

Insurance providers often take on individuals with known medical conditions but put a waiting period in place before they start paying for medical expenses associated with the disease or situation. This allows the person who would otherwise by refused coverage to get coverage. Individuals with health conditions should expect to pay higher rates than healthy individuals, unless they belong to a group plan.

The easiest and most guaranteed way to secure coverage if you have a previous condition is to get group coverage through an employer. Members of the group must be accepted regardless of pre existing conditions, although a short waiting period may be put in place for claims arising from it. Of course, this does penalize the healthiest member of such groups by making the cost higher for everyone.

If you are HIPAA eligible, meaning you have been on group insurance for more than 19 months, have exhausted COBRA benefits and cannot get Medicaid or Medicare, you can get an individual health insurance policy with no exclusion period. Insurers must offer you a health insurance policy that does not limit your pre existing condition if you meet the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act guidelines.

Tips to Recognize Depression in Children Through Behavioral Patterns

Depression is a killer, in short. An adult in depression experiences several mental, emotional, and cognitive problems in understanding and dealing with depression so one can imagine how much trouble a child may face with depression. Sadly, children are not in a position to realize when they are depressed therefore, the onus lies on their parents or guardians to monitor a child's behavior for any signs of depression.

Here are a few tips that will help you diagnose depression in kids by observing their behaviors:

• The child will prefer to live in solitude and withdraw in his own world. He will prefer the confines of his own bedroom and always avoid interacting or meeting with people whether family members or outsiders.


• The child will tend to avoid participating in everyday activities and responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. He will always seem lost in his own world.


• A depressed child will show behavior of insecurity. This means that the child will tend to feel insecure when the person he loves goes out of his sight for even a few minutes. In extreme cases, the insecurities take the shape of suspicion and increase in depression frequency.


• A depressed child will cling to the person he loves. This is akin to insecurity, but there is a difference - the child will feel lost when left alone and seek attention by clinging to people. This is different from insecurity feelings.


• The child will have outbursts - it can be anger, sadness or excessive happiness without any reason. Yes, we all have outbursts at some points in our life to give vent to frustrations, but that do not make us depressed. The thing to note here is that a depressed child will have outbursts without any apparent reason like shouting to a parent just because he did not get the book he wanted.


• When the depression increases, a child may inflict self-harm to get attention or try to end his life because he finds it worthless. Self harm is dangerous.

A kid displaying any of the above signs should be given immediate medical attention to diagnose depression and start its treatment. Lack of awareness will only create problems for the child when he grows up and for those people who will be associated with him later in life.

Diagnostic Tests to Identify Depression

Depression is much more common than most people realize and certainly not due to any fault of the sufferer. The earlier a person seeks help to cure depression, the better it is for him and his loved ones. The early warning signs are often ignored as just a passing phase. Sometimes a person may have gone through a difficult or trying time and hence it is natural not to feel particularly bright and optimistic at all times. However it is important to recognize that sometimes one needs professional help to overcome depression, even if one feels it a temporary phase and one can handle it.

Very often when a person seeks professional help he spends a lot of time with a psychiatrist and then a psychologist in order to establish or confirm the diagnosis. Depression is actually a fairly general term that covers a range of depressive disorders. In order to cure depression the doctor needs to identify the type and treat it appropriately. It is only after the diagnosis has been confirmed that the doctor can proceed to cure depression in a patient.

The doctor takes a detailed history of the patient's background, symptoms and any triggering episodes. It is important to be completely honest with the doctor as this will help you overcome depression. The doctor seeks information about many physical and emotional signs in the sufferer. The most common signs of depression include the inability to experience pleasure. Nothing seems to make the person happy. Depressed people are often withdrawn from their family and friends. The doctor also looks for telltale signs of low motivation and energy and low tolerance of frustration.

Other information that the doctor needs to know is about any loss in sex drive, unusual weight gain or weight loss and in the case of women if there have been any abnormalities in the menstrual cycle. Insomnia and early morning awakening, symptoms of depression being worse in the mornings are other typical signs. Patients often complain of constipation, headaches and dry mouth.

The psychologist observes the patient and conducts certain tests to determine the mental status. The general appearance and behavior gives a lot of information, particularly if the person appears agitated and avoids eye contact. The person also seems downcast and is unconcerned about his or her physical appearance. The persons mood may be depressed, irritable frustrated or sad and speech may lack spontaneity. Many depressed persons have suicidal thoughts and deep feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. This often leads to impaired judgment and also poor memory.

A psychologist carefully assesses if five or more of the above symptoms are present in the patient. Further he checks if they cause impairment in the person's normal social, occupational or other functioning. He delves into the personal history to determine whether the symptoms are not due to substance abuse or recent loss of a loved one. The doctor will also rule out any other psychological disorder. If the person has been suffering like this for over two months and is finding it difficult to function normally, the doctor will diagnose the ailment as a major depressive episode.

Depression has certain age specific symptoms as well. In young persons it can lead to substance abuse, promiscuity and antisocial behavior. Elderly patients suffer from memory loss, confusion and disorientation. Whatever the diagnosis, modern medicine can help a person overcome depression. It helps the doctor make the diagnosis if the patient cooperates with the doctor. After all both patient and doctor are looking to cure depression so the person can live a full life once again.

5 Steps to Ease Your Depression After Divorce

Beating depression that comes with a divorce is tough, but certainly not impossible. The end of a relationship as important as marriage has a shattering effect on the person who faces it. If you or a close friend has divorced and is having problems coping with it, it may mean that he or she is depressed. If the mourning or grieving continues even after the divorce has been over and done with for months on end, the concerned person may need treatment. Here are 5 steps of treating depression naturally during divorce.

Step #1

It is important that you let off the steam. It is natural that you are going to feel hurt, betrayed and powerless after a divorce. Find an outlet where you can let off steam safely. Remember its okay to cry. Why not buy a punching bag and hit it when you feel angry and frustrated. You can scream into a pillow. When you make a concerted effort to let go of the anger, you will be actually taking a step forward to treating your depression. With time you will find the negative emotions starting to fade.

Step #2

Practice living well. It may sound odd but depressed people often don't want to get out of bed even if it is take a shower. Make sure you do and also change your clothes everyday. Neglecting to take care of one self is one of the most common symptoms of depression. Get adequate sleep at night but don't spend the entire day in bed brooding. Exercising everyday is a natural depression cure. Get some sunshine and fresh air and see your blues disappearing.

Step #3

Don't start bad habits to get over your divorce. It will not only worsen your depressive symptoms, it will also be bad for you in the long run. Starting to smoke, drink and do drugs is the worst thing that could happen to anyone after a divorce. Instead take up a new hobby which you have been never been able to indulge in because your ex did not approve of it. Spend time with friends and family who love and support you.

Step #4

Another way of fighting depression and anxiety is to eat well. Changing dietary habits by choosing tea instead of coffee, brown bread over white bread, chicken and fish over red meat, and eating lots of green vegetables is a natural cure for depression. Drink at least 8 glasses of water everyday. If you think it is necessary, take an herbal supplement everyday.

Step #5

A change of scenery may sound superfluous but is a wonderful way of treating depression. Why not buy new curtains for your home and paint your bedroom in a color which you love but your ex detested? You can also move the furniture around to let in natural sunlight. The therapeutic effect of these small things is going to be tremendous.

Beat depression during divorce using these 5 simple steps and see the change in you!

Thousands Now Consume Aloe Vera Products to Treat Depression - Here's Why

Aloe Vera And Depression

Depression is quite common in today's society. Many people often get depressed for various reasons and causes. Note that there is a fine line between real depression and clinical depression. Real depression happens to all individuals like when a loved one passes away or when suffering from a broken relationship.

Depression may happen to people and lead into anxiety attacks. This is because their minds ponder and focus on their worries and problems too much. There are other instances that a person will feel depressed and lack energy because of health, mainly because of nutritional deficiency.

To alleviate depression, it is common practice for people to consume various kinds of food and beverages to get them into a better mood. Many choose to indulge in food that is high in sugar such as cakes, ice cream and chocolate. There are others that opt to drink alcoholic beverages as a suppressant.

Many doctors prescribe anti-depressant medication. There are a lot of different kinds of anti-depressant medication that can even be bought over-the-counter. Numerous people have become dependent on these kinds of medication to enable them to function normally.

If you are one of the many millions of people that are suffering from depression, take the time to assess why you are depressed and where the depression may be coming from. It is very possible that it may be time to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Detoxification is a great way to cleanse the body and get rid of the toxins that have been stored for years. It is a known fact that body cleansing aids in mental health and you can get numerous other benefits from regular detoxification. One of the most common ways to detox is to consume specific kinds of food and beverages made from plants.

You can also get better overall health and eliminate any nutritional deficiency by consuming natural health food products. Since these products are made from plants, when it is consumed, it is easily digested and quickly absorbed by the body, giving almost immediate nutrition.

Thousands of people consume Aloe Vera products daily to aid them keep away depression by giving their body it vital nutrition needs. The amino acid content of Aloe Vera is nearly complete for our daily requirements. One vital amino acid that Aloe Vera contains is tryptophan which is a precursor of serotonin, which is used to as preventive treatment for depression and anxiety.

Some of the other amino acids in Aloe Vera stimulates the production stimulates the production of blood cells that balances our metabolism. Aloe Vera is known as a pure plant-food source and can give a body a natural based detox. Aside from the amino acids, Aloe Vera contains a multitude of vitamins and minerals.

Aloe Vera Plant is a safe, natural alternative to dangerous prescription drugs. As always, seek the advice of a medical doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Psychological Testing - Advantages and Disadvantages

Psychological tests are used for assessment and evaluation of the test taker by a competent examiner. That is why it is also called psychological assessment. But of course, the tests can only be accurate and reliable if you answer it carefully, honestly and seriously.

A competent psychologist is generally the interpreter of these psychological tests. But it should be noted that psychological tests are advantageous only in certain situations. Free psychological tests circulated through the internet are usually bests for entertainment purposes.

So what are some useful types of psychological tests? Tests that measure your knowledge about a certain specific topic, or capacity for certain skills are called achievement and aptitude tests. Intelligence tests would say about your general ability to know the world around you. It also assesses how you use the intelligence to adapt to the world, and in what manner you apply this general ability. Therefore, we can say that the focus of intelligence tests is potential. Neuropsychological tests measure loss in functions of cognitive ability. Occupational tests are used to match your interests with the interests involving a certain career or occupation. Personality tests try to determine the style of your personality usually for clinical or forensic purposes. Specific clinical tests refer to tests that measure certain specific levels within a person in terms of his or her state of mind, like depression or anxiety.

One great advantage for using or taking psychological tests is that it is quite difficult to lie. For example, the Rorschach test does not offer any clue for the test taker about what would be a healthy response or an unhealthy response to the questions asked by the test. In this way, biases for making a favorable or an unfavorable impression can be avoided. Another advantage is the scientific consistency present through the test that cannot be found in clinical interviews. For instance, when it comes to legal situations, these tests can be more helpful than interviews. And last but not the least; information can be more easily taken from tests instead of interviews. Both psychologists and clients can compromise the reliability of clinical interviews.

However, sometimes tests do not really measure what they are supposed to measure. Therefore always remember the following guidelines:
• Always identify the purpose of testing.
• Identify the names and rationales of the tests.
• Always get the results of the tests.

Remember these guidelines, and always refer to a psychologist you trust.

How Depression Can Impact Your Elderly Parent

Depression effects lots of people, and the elderly suffer from it too. Elderly parents suffer from it for numerous reasons that differ from one person to anther. You can recognize its many varied and numerous symptoms in your parent if you pay attention, and depression can be treated with self help or professional medically based intervention. It is important to know what kind of help is available and when to seek help so that it doesn't cause too much harm. This article will help you learn what causes depression, how to identify it in your elderly parent, when to get treatment and what kind of treatment is available.

The causes of depression are many and varied and change from person to person depending on circumstances. A partial list of its causes can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Loss of a spouse


• Moving to an apartment or a nursing home


• Loss of independence because of diminished mobility or no longer able to drive


• Health problems


• Stop taking a medication


• Isolation from friends and family

This is only a partial list of the things that can cause an elderly person to be depressed, however the items listed above include some major triggers. If your elderly parent has experienced any of these circumstances he or she may begin to exhibit symptoms.

If an ageing person suffers from depression that will manifest itself in some symptom or symptoms that you may be able to identify. If you see your aged parent having problems with memory or concentration this can be depression even though it is sometimes mistaken for the onset of Alzheimer's. Maybe you notice a loss of energy in your elderly parent and he or she doesn't take care of herself and/or her place the same way as in the past. Other symptoms include feelings of worthlessness or helplessness and crying for no reason. If you notice any of these symptoms or a combination of these symptoms in your aged mother or father understand that it is not normal and could be the sign of depression.

There are many treatments available, but don't expect someone to "just snap out of it" because it doesn't work that way. Sometimes an elderly parent can resort to self help, that is non-medical treatment, especially if that is in conjunction with an adult child or other person who has frequent contact with the older person. Often times just moving around helps, especially getting outside in the sunshine and fresh air. Another effective strategy includes being among people by just visiting, possibly volunteering, or even learning a new skill. Ensuring your mom or dad eats a healthy diet daily can also help fight depression.

If non-medical treatment doesn't work well enough an elderly person can seek professional medical help. Often times medical professionals treat depression with medication. Usually doctors will change medications or the dosage to find what works. For people who don't want to take medication many health care professionals will use counseling, either group, one-on-one, or a combination of both with good results. Very frequently employing all the strategies, both medical and non medical, used in conjunction with each other works best.

Don't be afraid to help if you think your parent suffers from this condition because it's easier to treat it before it gets too bad. The sooner treatment begins the less harmful the impact of the disease will be. Above all, if you think your elderly parent is suicidal go to the emergency room for immediate treatment, and begin an intervention program to prevent or minimize any harm.

To reiterate, you found about depression in older people. This article covered the causes of depression in aging people, what its symptoms are and how to recognize them, and different ways to treat it including both non-medical and medical intervention. This is a fairly extensive topic and you can learn a lot more about this and other topics that impact your elderly parent by reading the resources box below.

Copyright 2011 Jeffrey B. Kent. You may reuse this article only if you use it unedited in its entirety and you provide a link back to my website.

Stop Depression Robbing You of Life - Discover and Treat the Biochemical Causes of Your Depression

- Are you worn out from the fight against depression?
- Are your episodes of depression deep and prolonged, and keep coming back?
- Do you feel like you've tried everything? Feel like all options have been exhausted?

You are not alone. There is hope.

Did you know that the reason you may not be able to get rid of your depression, is because its true cause has not been diagnosed and treated? It is possible that a physical or biochemical reason for your depression has been overlooked.

The most common biochemical imbalances leading to depression include:

- Mineral, vitamin or essential fatty acid deficiencies

- Toxic overload

- Food allergies, food sensitivities and other adverse reactions to food

- Hormonal deficiencies

The sad thing is that most of the time, these deficiencies or irregularities are not ruled out in most depression sufferers. Many people are only offered antidepressant medications which don't treat the underlying physical problem. In other situations, they're offered counseling which again doesn't fix the cause of the depression.

Many of the biochemical imbalances that lead to depression can be easily diagnosed by a laboratory test through your doctor. In many cases one supplement or one hormonal medication, that specifically corrects the underlying physical problem, can resolve the depression too.

The key to treating your depression effectively, and beating it once and for all, is to find out the cause of your depression.

- One person with depression may have a nutrient deficiency because of poor digestion or diet. The nutrient deficiency may be causing the depression because it means that the brain cannot make its chemicals (neurotransmitters) properly.

- Another depression sufferer may have been exposed to a toxin through their job or hobby. Toxins can block the normal communication between brain cells, and can lead to 'abnormal' signals in the brain and therefore depression.

- Still another person may have a food allergy or sensitivity which turns on the immune system. The immune system can 'attack' the brain, so that the brain cannot function properly, and depression is experienced.

- Other people go through depression because of five different hormonal deficiencies. Women often suffer from depression during the 10 years prior to menopause, because of the changes of hormone levels in their bodies. Hormones are known to help with energy levels, memory and mood.

Being Childless - The Road To Happiness

I'm childless. There, that's out of the way. I'm not able to have children, not by
choice but by circumstance.

In my late teens and early twenties I desperately wanted children. I'd grown up
emotionally abused, and I thought that having a child would give me something that
I could love that was all mine. I wanted a football team!

When we are insecure within ourselves we look to outside sources to 'complete' us
such as relationships, children, work, or even volunteer commitments.

When women/couples cannot have children they can feel invalidated as a
relationship, and often marriages will fail because of the lack of children. If two
people cannot commit to each other without children, then there's usually not much
hope for a long-term relationship.

When a woman cannot have a child, such as myself, you can feel such overwhelming
grief at the time that it can be all consuming. You'll usually go through all sorts of
tests, procedures, invasions of intimate and personal space in order to try and have
a child.

There are many processes for the infertile. There is IVF, adoption, foster care,
permanent care placements or even surrogacy in some countries.

What do you do though, if, despite this overwhelming grief, sense of loss, and
desire to have a child, you start to ask if it is all worth it?

What do you do if you realise that you don't have that driving desperation to have a
child? You still have the hurt, the pain and loss, but you feel as if you should be
feeling more 'desperation?'

There isn't any magic answer. Each woman is unique in her determination to have a
child of her own. I've met many women who have gone through immense personal
sacrifice to have a child and they've had either the most tragic or joyous outcomes.

Women who are infertile and cannot have a child have to at some point in their life
become comfortable with this. There is no defining moment, no set point at which
this happens, but it must happen for a woman to start to heal her pain and move on
with her life, for there is life without children, and it can be a great life.

Life without children is not the scary movie scenario that women think it is. It's not
when they turn into hags and become the scary old lady down the street.

Life without children means not being tied down to schedules, not being tied down
to school holidays, car pooling for sports, extra curricular activities and the like.
You are free to pursue your own life, work and leisure activities.

You get to be the favourite Aunt.

You have time to do the things you want, when you want.

You get to hog all the easter eggs if you want. You get to eat that block of
chocolate all by yourself. You don't have to structure your working life around
school timetables. You don't have to volunteer for canteen duty. You can take an
arts class, do yoga, go to university, travel and do any damn thing you want to.

Yes, being childless has it's advantages. Many would say also that it's lonely, you
grow old alone and your name doesn't get passed on through the generations.

Big deal.

It took me about ten years to understand that not having children was a blessing. I
saw so many of my friends complain about their lives. I've seen so much abuse of
children around me by parents who didn't really stop to think about what a child
needed, or why they had the child in the first place. If I had the opportunity, I
probably would not have a child now, knowing what I know now, I know that my life
is richer and freer for not having children, and that I am a more well rounded,
developed and secure individual for it.

It doesn't take the hurt, pain and sense of loss away, which may sound like a
contradiction, but for women out there who have lived with their infertility and
childlessness for years, they'll understand where it comes from.

Enjoy being childless. Don't wallow in self-pity. Go out there and make something
of your life. You've been given an opportunity to be a free spirit without the
constraints of the school bell.

Your life is an open book and only you know how many pages there are to turn.
Each page brings new challenges and chapters in your life to explore and being
childless needn't be the end, but only the beginning of your voyage of self-
discovery. Who knows, you might actually like discovering who YOU are.

Fight Depression - Memory Loss Naturally

Has it ever occurred to you that you are forgetful when you are in a sad mood? If yes, then you had probably experienced a short term memory loss triggered by depression. The root of the question is the connection between depression and memory loss. At its worst, depression can snatch away from you your ability to concentrate, your appetite, your sleep and the pleasures of life.

Memory loss can render anyone in a helpless situation and vulnerable to adversity. The condition can be caused by different factors such as an accident or a head injury, a stroke and diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson and chronic depression. Among them, depression is one of the most common mental illnesses affecting nearly 3-5% of the world's population. The feeling of sadness associated with depression may surface from time to time whereas in cases of clinical depression it may continue over a period of days or weeks at a stretch.

Besides memory loss, depression is also known to induce a feeling of worthlessness or bout of excessive guilt, loss of interest in food, sex, entertainment, recurrent suicidal tendency and fatigue. This mental disorder if left untreated may lead to serious psychological problems or even suicide in severe cases. A depressed person generally losses his or her concentration power, as a result of which the learning ability is highly impaired and the condition further deteriorates into a lack of mental alertness and focus.

Some researchers associate the increasing number of depression cases in the world to the high involvement of stressful activities in our lives. The administration of herbal supplements in the treatment procedure for depression can ensure higher chances of overcoming the illness without leaving harmful side-effects on the body. Most health experts recommend physical practice remedies like yoga, meditation and other exercises for the effective control of the mind and the body.

The science of Ayurveda has been passed over from ancient times, down to the generations and it is considered a vital tool in prolonging life. Its treatment methods are based on the composition of ingredients found in nature. Aswagandha is a plant widely used in Ayurvedic treatment as a mood-stabilizer because of its anti-depressant properties. Hence, this herb is highly effective in combating clinical conditions such as anxiety and depression.

Opting for Ayurvedic health supplements for depression or memory loss supplements can help lessen anxiety without causing unpleasant side effects and it also helps restore the emotional balance. DeprsnCare is naturally designed to help your mind relax and be at the comfort zone. A calm mind is capable of striking a balance between the acid and the alkaline which restores the natural autonomic nervous system.

Can Omega 3 Fatty Acids Help Bipolar Disorder?

To cut the long story short, yes, omega 3 fatty acids can help bipolar disorder. There have been various studies which confirm the amazing benefits of omega 3 in fish oil in treating this difficult condition that affects about 15 million individuals in America alone.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a mental condition that is marked by extreme moods and mood swings. Moods of bipolar sufferers may be high with impulsiveness and obsession, hyperactivity and feelings of supernatural abilities. At other times, they would feel low and depressed. This condition generally impeded proper thinking and judgment, and hinders proper social interaction. It sometimes even leads to serious problems including suicidal tendencies. This condition must then be treated for an individual to lead a normal life.

Despite advancement in science, there has not been any medication that can completely provide cure to manic depression. Psychiatrists normally recommend intake of anti-depressant drugs that can manage the symptoms of the disorder, such as lithium and Valproate. It has been found that these medications can control the production of arachidonic acid in the brain, and this leads to proper management of behaviour and mood swings. Although they work in managing symptoms, these anti-depressant drugs prove to be harmful especially when taken in high dosage for long periods of time.

Fortunately, there are now some natural alternatives found for treating bipolar disorders. Scientists have linked these too and have found that omega 3 fatty acids richly found in this supplement can help bipolar disorder and other mental conditions. How can omega 3 fatty acids help bipolar disorder? When taken at high dosage, omega 3 can prevent the formation of arachidonic acid and raise the levels of brain-nourishing DHA and EPA in the body. This leads to the significant reduction of bad eicosanoids, which are known to be the leading cause of depressive feelings linked to this mental condition.

With omega 3 fatty acids, a bipolar sufferer's brain will be nourished with all the right nutrients to help promote normal brain function. Although this supplement does not take effect as fast as anti-depressant drugs, these can get to the root of the condition and gradually cure it in the most natural way possible.

The link between two has been established through many studies. Bipolar sufferers must then take high amounts of fish oil in their diet or better yet, take this supplements. With an active lifestyle, stable moral support, and fish oil supplementation, bipolar depression has gotten easier to manage. Help bipolar disorder sufferers get a chance at a normal life, let them know about omega 3 fatty acids in fish oil today.

Boost Self-Esteem, Banish Depression

Do you know someone who is always pessimistic and negative? Always looking at the glass as half empty? Maybe it's you. It's time to think about turning those negative thoughts into positive thoughts, because one's thoughts are the basic building blocks that over time create one's attitude-and the more negative your attitude, the more numerous will be the negative things that you will attract-which will only reinforce your negative attitude. But, fortunately, the opposite is also true: the more positive you are, the more positive your life will be.

Do you ever find that if you start the day with something frustrating happening, the rest of your day turns out badly? That's because you held on to the negative nature of whatever happened. The way you hold on to it is by speaking of it to others or keeping it in your thoughts. By saying things like, "It's been one of those mornings," your mind is set in a direction which will-if not corrected-ensure that you do have "one of those days," when in fact it was just a few bad moments.

The longer you hold on to a negative thought, the more nasty relatives it gathers to set up shop in your mind. It's like the proverbial snowball that keeps getting bigger and bigger. Or a weed which seeds the ground with more weeds.

Are you telling yourself that you are just not talented enough to make your dreams come true? Banish those thoughts immediately and begin to tell a new story: think thoughts that are empowering, uplifting, and energizing. Believe in yourself and believe in your dreams. Go for it and give it everything you got because you CAN make it happen!

Frank Lloyd Wright said it well: "The thing always happens that you really believe in: and the belief in a thing makes it happen." You must believe you can do it, or you will not, and you must see it happening in your mind, or you will not see it happen in your life.

Don't let thoughts of destruction enter your mind. If you let thoughts of doubt and fear in, they will plant more seeds of an undesirable nature which will end up tearing you down. You must not let this happen!

At all times picture yourself healthy, speak of yourself as strong, refer to yourself as capable. Believe in yourself. Have faith in your ability. You really can achieve anything you set out to do. Go forward with a 'can do' attitude. Picture yourself succeeding and get fired up! Get excited about your future! There are great things in store for you if you believe.

When negative thoughts come into your mind, shoot them down by canceling them out. Think of something positive as quickly as possible and don't carry on in the direction of where the previous thought was trying to take you. Do not allow negativity to dwell in your mind. These thoughts are, quite simply, not welcome.

Stay focused on your goal and do not lose sight of it. Every step you take in the right direction will cause the level of belief you have within yourself to surge. Re-program your mind by talking to yourself using kind words. The truth is, you are talented and bright, and you DO have what it takes to succeed in anything, and everything that you undertake.

So go for it. Start believing in yourself and don't let anything hold you back: especially not yourself. I believe in you...do you?