Depression Symptoms Checklist For Those Who Suspect They Have the Blues

Depression symptoms can create behaviors that you don't readily notice especially if you've had a low level of depression for an extended period of time. Since depression affects your quality of life and your ability to take care of others and form meaningful relationships, it helps to recognize the symptoms in black and white, so you can become aware of the impact they have on your life. In this article, you'll learn about the symptoms and a natural, simple way of getting past this soul-sucking monster called Depression.

Main Symptoms of Depression

Below are a list of symptoms. You may not have all of them. The key is their duration. How long have these symptoms been affecting your life?

• The blues


• Feelings of hopelessness


• Crying spells with no obvious reason


• Weight loss or weight gain


• Indecisive


• Suicidal thoughts


• No desire for sex or inability to achieve orgasm


• Difficulty concentrating


• Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep


• Loss of motivation and interest in life

Before we blow past these depression symptoms and talk about treatment, let's consider for a moment how these symptoms affect your quality of life. For instance, let's take one symptom: loss of motivation. If you've lost motivation, what is it like for you to wake up in the morning and drag yourself out of bed? What is it like to just go through the motions every day? Do you remember what it was like to wake up with joy and enthusiasm at the prospect of a new day? And at the end of the day, do you remember what it was like to express gratitude for the people in your life, the roof over your head and all the simple, but deeply satisfying pleasures that make up your life?

These positive feelings can be yours again. You do not have to live your entire life with depression and you do not have to medicate yourself with drugs. There is a way out. Since all drugs have side effects and many of the anti depressants on the market actually worsen depression symptoms, I recommend natural remedies.

The reason has clear. Researches have shown that there is a link between nutritional deficiencies and the main symptoms of depression. While taking anti depressants like Zoloft may suppress the symptoms of depression (while creating all kinds of side effects like weight gain, anxiety, loss of sleep, etc.), it does not heal the cause of depression. After all, you're not deficient in Paxil, which isn't even a natural substance, but your brain may very well be deficient in the nutrients needed to manufacture serotonin and the feel-good neurotransmitters that create a natural high in the brain.

This is why hundreds of thousands of people are getting off drugs and turning to natural remedies that are formulated specifically for depression. Be aware though that not all remedies are created alike. Look for a remedy that is FDA-approved and contains effective ingredients like St. John's Wort and Passion Flower which have been proven effective in overcoming depression symptoms. Natural remedies have no side effects, but best of all, they give the brain the nutrition it needs to heal itself. So with regular use, you can eventually start taking them.

So there you have it: the main symptoms of depression and a safe, natural means to overcome them and get back to a sense of balance and wellness in your life.

Be Aware of the Dangers of Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin

Serotonin is a hormone, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTP, found in the body. Primary centers containing this hormone are the brain, pineal gland, blood platelets and the intestines. Serotonin is formed in the body from L-tryptophan, an amino acid. The body then stores serotonin until it is activated by the enzyme monoamine oxidase. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, meaning that it is responsible for transmitting messages or signals between nerve cells, causing a narrowing of the blood vessels.

Serotonin plays a major role in several important bodily functions, such as appetite and sleep. It is also known for the role it plays in regulating mood, learning, memory and behavior. Serotonin plays an important role in cardiovascular function, temperature regulation, endocrine regulation and muscle retraction. Serotonin is perhaps most famous for its role in depression.

Serotonin syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition that was first discussed in the literature in 1959. Serotonin syndrome can occur when an individual is exposed to medications or chemicals that lead to a significant and dangerous level of serotonin accumulated in the body. This condition might occur in response to starting a new medication or during an increase to a current medication. It may also occur when an individual mixes over the counter medications that affect serotonin levels, migraine medications, and alcohol or street drugs, with their anti-depressant medications.

The primary offending antidepressant medications include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, as well as the older class of anti-depressants known as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors, or MAOIs. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, paroxetine and sertraline. Examples of SNRIs include venlafaxine and trazadone. MAOIs include medications such as phenelzine and isocarboxazid, while examples of tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline and nortriptyline.

The smoking cessation medication and antidepressant bupropion, known also by its commercial names of Wellbutrin and Zyban, can prompt increased serotonin levels. In addition, so can medications used to treat migraines and some mood disorders, including triptans, valproic acid, lithium and carbamazapine. The pain medications fentanyl, meperidine, tramadol and cyclobenzaprine also make the list of medications to look out for.

Street drugs such as ecstasy, LSD, amphetamines and cocaine, cough medicines containing dextromethorphan, herbal supplements like St. John's Wort, and the mood stabilizer lithium can contribute to increased serotonin levels. Finally, some antibiotics, like linezolid, and anti-nausea medications also affect serotonin.

Combinations of any of the above medications should be discussed with a pharmacist and physician to ensure that a comprehensive review of medication interactions is considered to decrease the potential for serotonin syndrome.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome

A physician should always monitor changes to medications affecting serotonin levels in the body carefully. Some symptoms indicating potential presence of serotonin syndrome will likely occur within a few hours of a medication change. These symptoms include dilated pupils, rapid heart rate and elevated blood pressure, agitation, confusion, loss of muscle control and coordination, headache, chills, shivering, profuse sweating, diarrhea and goose bumps. As serotonin syndrome progresses towards a serious emergency, an individual might present with irregular heartbeat, seizures, high fever and unconsciousness.

Complications

Serotonin syndrome is a very serious condition that can result in death. A doctor should be contacted immediately if an individual experiences any of the aforementioned syndromes of serotonin syndrome.

Treatment

Due to the potentially life-threatening effects of this condition, medical treatment should be sought immediately. If serotonin syndrome is suspected, go to the nearest emergency room with all medications currently being taken.

The primary treatment for serotonin syndrome is to remove the offending medication. Typically, once the medication is discontinued, serotonin syndrome will resolve itself within 24 hours. Moderate symptoms of serotonin syndrome may require hospitalization, while severe symptoms will likely require intensive hospital based treatment.

There are a number of treatments a doctor may consider to treat this condition, depending on the severity of the symptoms. If serotonin syndrome occurs because an individual has taken an overdose of serotonergic medications then charcoal treatment may be necessary. Muscle relaxants may be given to reduce agitation, muscle stiffness and decrease risk of seizures, while serotonin-production blocking agents can block production of more serotonin. Medications might be used to bring down heart rate and blood pressure, or medications to paralyze muscles temporarily in conjunction with a breathing tube might be used in some cases. Finally, intravenous fluids and oxygen may be used to maintain oxygen levels in the blood and prevent or treat dehydration.

Bipolar Disorder - Getting Health Insurance If You Have Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, manic-depressive disorder, or bipolar affective disorder, is a mental health condition in which sufferers experience alternative periods of elation and depression. This condition is expensive to treat because it requires daily medication and frequent doctor's visits. Unfortunately, if bipolar disorder is a pre-existing medical condition, patients may not be able to receive coverage. Even if this disorder was diagnosed after enrolling in a health insurance plan, patients may run into problems. However, getting coverage is possible. Here's what the insurance company will want to know.

A health insurance company will first want to know if you are employed. People with Bipolar Disorder pose a significant financial risk to an insurance company due to the sheer amount of doctor's visits and medication required. They need to know if you can pay the premiums as well as anything they cannot cover. Usually all you will need to do is provide the company with your employer's information; they will then verify your employment by contacting your place of work. Make sure to let your boss know that the insurance company may be calling so he or she will not be caught off guard.

The insurance company will also need to know exactly when you were diagnosed as well as when the last major episode occurred. There may be a formal request for your medical records, in which case you will need to supply them with the name of your physician. However, if you have not been hospitalized recently, this may not be an issue. Basically, the insurance company wants to know the chances that you might require an inpatient or outpatient hospital visit. They will do this by looking at your medical history, progress, and number of hospital visits.

Finally, the health insurance company will want to know exactly what medication you are taking as well as how you are responding to it. Again, they are assessing your risk to determine how much you will cost them. Do you need a lot of medication to function? Have you been through many different types of medication to find one that worked? They will take a look at how well you have been progressing since you started medication in order to determine your overall stability. Showing the insurance company that your Bipolar Disorder poses few risks will greatly improve your chances of getting approved for coverage.

If you need assistance in locating particular coverages at a pre-determined price, we can help you save up to 50% on your health insurance monthly premium.

How To Overcome Anxiety - Expert Suggestions

Experts Views on How to Overcome Anxiety

Here are several views from experts on how to overcome anxiety:

• According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, the beginning step towards treatment of anxiety disorders is to understand the condition well. If you are showing symptoms of the disorder, getting a diagnosis from your physician is necessary to rule out underlying medical conditions. Along with the feeling of depression anxiety sufferers may also have depression symptoms and need psychiatric help.


• Experts agree that feeling anxious does not necessarily mean you are suffering from an anxiety disorder. It is therefore crucial that you are able to distinguish between what is normal and what is not. If you are showing anxiety symptoms, you should not immediately conclude that you are suffering from the disorder, or something is wrong with your mental health. An excellent indication if an anxiety disorder is present, is the feeling of "I can't". Most individuals that are held captive by anxiety disorder cannot function in everyday life and seclude themselves from everyone.


• Anxiety disorders can affect both kids and adults, and are in fact, the most common among mental illnesses. However, these disorders are curable; unfortunately, only a handful of those who have it seek treatment and seek solutions on how to overcome anxiety.


• Since the disorder involves physical symptoms, you should make it a point to treat and manage your condition to prevent any issues on your physical well-being. In managing your anxiety, the key is to get to know yourself better. For instance, if you are prone to stress, you have to find ways to relieve your stress, as it is one of the major triggers for anxiety attacks.


• Sometimes, you may need help with anxiety. You have several options for this. These options include: seeking professional help and treatment for the disorder, benefiting from self-help books on how to overcome anxiety, visiting sites dedicated to provide you with relevant resources in overcoming anxiety.


• Both the WebMD and Mayo Clinic list alternative treatments for anxiety disorders. Those whose anxiety does not involve medical condition can benefit the most from natural treatments and home remedies such as lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, diet and exercise, and strengthening one's support system.

Why should you endure your anxiety attacks and allow it to interfere with your life when you can take action and do something to manage it? On the web, you will find several good resources that you can use in finding the most appropriate solution for your situation. Choose a site that gives you authoritative information on how to overcome anxiety.

After Divorce - 3 Steps For Starting Over in a Positive Mindset, Part 2

Those who have gone through a divorce know that it is often a mixed bag of emotions, even if you were the one who initiated the split. Regardless of the reason, the changes that are involved are huge - living arrangements change, time with your kids might be affected, finances often take a hit, relationships with mutual friends and family might change, and you are releasing your "ideal" or vision for your life. However, with all this change comes the amazing opportunity for reinvention - and your life can now be invented according to your priorities, goals, and wishes. Here are the last 3 of 6 steps for starting over post divorce in a positive mindset:

1. Don't hesitate to seek professional help with your transition. If your emotions are feeling overwhelming or unmanageable, a counselor can be an excellent source of perspective and a trained professional who can help you process your emotions in a healthy manner. If you are feeling unclear about where to go from here and are interested in digging deeper into who you are, what you want, and how to get there, a coach might be an excellent fit for you.

2. Stop negative thinking cycles if they persist. Of course you will need to process what happened, determine your part in the demise of the marriage, and make peace with the outcome. All of this will help you as you move forward to happier relationships and better choices for yourself. However, if the negative thinking gets stuck in a loop, try imagining a big red "X" through the thought and say "Cancel" or "Stop" out loud. You can also slap your hand on a table and change activities to help break the thought circuit.

3. Begin to imagine the future, as you desire it. Consider your goals and dreams, and begin imagining in full detail how it will be when you achieve them, as if you are there now. Imagine how it will taste, feel, sound, look, and smell to be in that moment. The more you can do this and focus upon it, the more these thoughts will actually be drawn into your reality.

Fighting Depression Without Medication

Fighting depression without medication by using holistic health principles is an effective option currently in use by many natural health care providers. Of course, the severity of your symptoms will determine the best course of action. For relatively mild depression, self management may be an option. Disabling symptoms will most likely need professional assistance.

If symptom self-management is an option for you, some available avenues to explore are:

• foods that help depression



• nutritional supplements and herbal remedies

Depression often involves both physical and psychological issues. A complete physical exam may be in order if you've not had one in a while. This will help give you a base line starting place and hopefully will detect any low-level infections that may be causing problems.

Diet and digestive health are very influential when experiencing depression and/or anxiety. Current research is revealing that the stomach and intestines have a very sensitive neural network called the enteric nervous system. Some researchers are calling this complex nervous system "the second brain" because of it's extensive neural pathways.

You've no doubt noticed how stress and negative emotions can "hit you in the gut." This is an example of the second brain in action. If our lives are hectic and fast paced with little time to relax, the stress will tend to build up in the abdominal area which can cause indigestion, acid reflux and many other issues.

This situation can be aggravated by processed foods that contain artificial additives that may cause an allergic irritation. In fighting depression without medication, modifying diet is a very effective way to ease symptoms. Some things that may be helpful are:

1. As much as possible, switch from processed food to natural, organic food. If you have little time for preparing food, many grocery stores have health food sections where you can even find ready made prepared foods.

2. Check for possible food allergies or sensitivities. Some common allergens include, refined sugar, highly processed fats (trans fats), dairy products, grains (gluten).

3. If hypoglycemia is involved in your symptoms try to get adequate protein and healthy fats consistently with your meals. For guidelines on recommended carbohydrate, protein and fat ratios, see The Zone diet or another variation.

Depression and Anxiety Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Herbal remedies and nutritional supplements can be very helpful for depression. Herbs like St. John's wort and passionflower work well in combination and are easily the most popular herbs used for mood issues. These herbs are especially good if insomnia is an issue.

A high quality multi-vitamin supplement with recommended amounts of antioxidants, minerals and B vitamins is recommended. Other supplements that are proving helpful for depression are Omega three fatty acids found in oils like fish, flax and borage oil.

Amino acids are essential nutrients and even more so if you're depressed. Dietary protein provides amino acids and supplements like 5-HTP can be helpful too. If you're on any prescription medication, be sure to consult your health care provider before starting any new nutritional supplements.

Fighting depression without medication will involve a holistic approach that considers all areas of life. Diet, exercise, adequate rest and relaxation are all important areas to bring into balance. A natural health care provider may also be helpful to provide guidance and an objective assessment of your condition.

Holistic Depression Therapy

Holistic depression therapy takes an enormous number of treatment modalities. Complimentary and alternative medicine is rapidly gaining respect in the medical world, but conventional mental health institutions are frequently far behind the curve concerning the acceptance of alternative or holistic treatments for anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric disorders.

The FDA and the medical institution often have a tendency to hold back and disregard alternative medicine as a feasible option. Their most common disagreement against holistic depression therapy or holistic treatment for any other disorder is that there is no adequate research or hard proof to show their efficacy.

A lot of the required drug studies that are written are done through the same drug companies that produce them, which is a slight conflict of interest if considering billions of dollars at risk. People should not blindly accept the claims of alternative medicine either; there are limitless alternatives out there and some are very promising, probably even miraculous, but others are also ineffective and even dangerous at times. In general, nonetheless, alternative medicine or holistic depression therapy are vastly safer than conventional drugs.

A holistic depression therapy should not leave out any available treatment that works, and that may include mainstream medications such as mood stabilizers or antidepressants, specifically for Bipolar disorder and Major Depression. It is always essential to weigh the advantage and disadvantages because these disorders are serious and life-threatening illnesses.

Holistic depression therapy treats the person as a whole, based on System Theory which makes out that "anything done to one part of us, affects all other parts of us". Whichever treatment that is in agreement with life, will advantage the individual on numerous levels, even far past the target symptoms. Through using holistic depression therapy, it is probable that a person will also experience healing in other areas as well.

Holistic depression therapy is divided into three categories namely body, mind, and spirit:

Body
Physical interventions or physical modalities include body-oriented psychotherapies as well as physical healing methods such as Message Therapy and Chiropractic Medicine. Other approaches include dietary/nutritional consultation, herbal therapy, ayurveda, acupuncture, acupressure, Rolfing, martial arts, chi gung, hatha yoga, drumming therapy, and a lot more.

Mind
This involves working with the emotions and thought process or intellect, which include psychotherapy, hypnotherapy, journaling, art therapy, music therapy, sound therapy, dream work, yoga, and mindfulness meditation.

Spirit
This involves treating the spiritual dimension or accessing the wisdom of the essential soul or self, which include yoga, Buddhist meditation, shamanism, energy healing/pranic healing/Reiki, mindfulness meditation/Vipassana, transpersonal psychotherapy, the drumming therapy, tai chi/aikido/kung fu, and prayer. These spiritual modalities engage the body and mind, but also go beyond these levels and develop into more subtle levels of consciousness.

Holistic depression therapy is not a one-size-fits-all prescription, and it is always essential to be open-minded yet careful when choosing a treatment approach whether it is a traditional or alternative treatment for depression.