Depression Symptoms - Can They Be Overcome?

Although similar signs may be exhibited, depression can vary between gender and age groups. Depression symptoms can be obvious or subtle, physical or emotional, temporary or lasting. Depression in men and women, and between teens and the aged, can be detected and should not be neglected. Let us try to be more familiar with depression so in case we see these symptoms in someone we know or feel them within ourselves, we already have an advantage over most of the populace since knowledge of what the problem can be is already the first step in carrying out a solution.

Most cultures equate depression with weakness. Hence, most men, although feeling a lingering emotion of emptiness for years, often deny it. This can lead to unfavorable consequences as men are prone to contemplate suicide. Having suicidal thoughts is a major sign of depression. Depression symptoms in men can range from one extreme to another. Some are overly quiet and will not attempt to interact at all with the rest of society. Others exhibit reckless behavior such as aggression, violence, and anger. Another one of the common symptoms among men is substance abuse, like alcohol and different types of drugs.

It is a known fact that women are more likely to experience depression symptoms than men. This is attributed to several factors, such as hormonal imbalances (menstruation, pregnancy, menopause) and women's tendency to focus and dig up past negative emotions. Depression in women (although not exclusive to the gender) include feelings of worthlessness, inclination to blame oneself for any problem, lack of interest and energy to do things which were formerly enjoyed, and sleep pattern changes (insomnia or hypersomnia). Seasonal affective disorder - depression during winter due to low sunlight levels- are said to affect women more than any other.

Depression symptoms in teens and the aged do occur although they may be incorrectly diagnosed. A closer examination of the signs shown can reveal that it is actually depression taking hold of the person's life. Some teens appear sad while others appear irritated - yet both can be a sign of depression. This can be due to hormonal changes in the adolescent's body. The elderly often complain about physical aches and pains which are also common symptoms of this condition. Depression in the old populace can be due to changes in life, such as the loss of a loved one or health issues.

Depression for anyone, regardless of age or gender, should never be left untreated. Depression symptoms can be felt and unrecognized for years, but once they are realized as being signs of depression, it is best to seek professional help to determine the best course of action to take. The support of family and friends are indispensable and is actually a necessity in the fight against depression. Symptoms may occur at some point even after treatment, but they do not need to curtail the person's ability to live a contented life. Anyone can overcome depression and never suffer it again.

What Is The Cause Of The Rapidly Increasing Number Of People Who Are Depressed?

The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a report stating that the number of people who experience depression is doubling every ten years and that by 2020 it will be the most pervasive illness in the world and the second leading cause of death.

Why is this happening in an affluent society such as ours that currently spends more money on medical care than at any other time in history?

There are many factors contributing to this increase in the number of people who are suffering the debilitating effects of depression.

This article will shed some light on some of these factors.

1. The News Media

Our news media is a major contributing factor to the rise of depression. Out of all the good things that happen every single day, the news on TV, the radio and in newspapers focuses almost exclusively on the small percentage of things that are wrong in our world.

Believing what you hear or read in the news leaves you with the feeling that the world situation and the physical condition of our planet are in a downward spiral with little hope for improvement.

If you watch, listen to, or read the news everyday you are feeding your mind with the equivalent of garbage. Have you ever heard the computer term "garbage in, garbage out?" This is not only true with computers, but also the human mind.

2. Pharmaceutical Companies

Prescriptions for antidepressants issued to children and adolescents grew three to tenfold between 1987 and 1996. Between 1998 and 2002 there was a 50 percent overall increase in antidepressant prescriptions despite the lack of proof they cure depression.

The April 2004 issue of the journal "Psychiatric Services" reports findings of a study conducted by Express Scripts. This study shows that the use of antidepressant medications continues to grow by about 10 percent annually among children and adolescents.

U.K. and U.S. studies indicate there are increased suicidal tendencies in many young patients taking these drugs. Children and teens are at a stage in their lives where their brain is developing rapidly. This raises a question regarding unknown and long-term side effects of these drugs being prescribed during this critical stage of growth.

While natural remedies are an option, doctors rarely suggest their use. When discussing natural remedies in her book "Molecules of Emotion," Candace Pert, Ph.D., (recognized as the world's foremost brain researcher) has this to say in regard to natural remedies: "The answer reflects the economics of medicine. Since the natural substances are not patentable, there is no incentive for drug companies to study their benefits, and so the vast majority of M.D.s, who get their information about drugs from the drug companies, don't even know about them."

Pharamaceutical companies are publicly traded corporations that have a legal responsibility to their shareholders to increase profits. How do they do this? According to Kevin Trudeau in his book "Natural Cures 'They' Don't Want You To Know About" they do it by "producing their product at the lowest possible cost, selling it at the highest price, and selling as much as they can."

According to Mr. Trudeau, "the health care industry, defined as the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of disease, is the most profitable industry in the world." It is true that enormous amounts of money will continue to be made as long as people stay sick. It is not in the best interest of the pharmaceutical companies for you to get healthy and stay healthy.

3. The School System

Our school system is still pretty much focused on learning the three R's: reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic. Yes, these are important fundamentals that one needs to function well in society. But, one needs to know more than these basics to succeed in life.

Have you ever studied for a test in school and passed with flying colors only to forget all the answers when they were no longer important for you to remember them?

Well known and respected financial author of the "Rich Dad" series of books, Robert T. Kiyosaki, touched on this subject in one of his earlier books, "If You Want to Be Rich & Happy: Don't Go to School?: Ensuring Lifetime Security for Yourself and Your Children" published in 1995. He believes there's a flaw in a system that rewards students for memorizing facts, but fails to help teach them to succeed in the real world.

Today a standard is set in all subjects and every child is expected to achieve that standard. If they don't, they're looked at as deficient in some way, or less than perfect, by their teacher and the school system in general. This system of comparison is detrimental to the self-esteem of the child which leads to depression.

4. Concern Over What Other People Think

People often worry about what others will think of them if they seek help for their depression, especially males. There is the erroneous belief that depression is something only women have, causing men to feel they are "weak" when they are depressed.

Also, people who are depressed have the tendency to look at themselves as failures and to adopt the belief that other people see them as failures. They end up expending a lot of energy worrying about this and doing little or nothing to get help with their depression.

5. Our Natural Tendency Toward Dependency

From the time we are born most of us are taught to depend on others to know what is best for us and to tell us what to do.

We have been taught to depend on our parents to know what is best for us when we are young and even into adulthood. We have been taught to look to our teachers and schools to know what is best for us if our parents don't know. We have been taught to depend on our preferred religious organization for our spiritual needs, on doctors and conventional medicine for our health needs, on the government to provide for and take care of us after retirement (or before), etc.

This attitude has led us to believe we aren't in control of our lives or our destiny. This fosters feelings of powerlessness that naturally leads to depression.

Now that you know more about what is causing the number of depressed people to increase so rapidly, what can be done to counteract these conditions? Are there solutions?

Gwynne Curry, who suffered with depression for 30+ years, reveals the proven method she personally used to overcome her depression in her eBook "You Can Heal Your Depression Now! No Expensive Therapy... No Dangerous Antidepressants..." Gwynne has now lived depression free for more than five years and shares with you everything she learned during her 20+ year search to find the answers to living depression free.

If you, or someone you know, suffer with depression, don't pass this by. Just imagine, you could be feeling better in less than 30 days.

An Open Letter to My Grown Up Kids

Let me put it in writing - I wasn't the best baby mom. I know I can't be the only one who feigned sleep so her husband would get up with the baby. And how many nights did we both lay there, eyes closed, still as corpses and trying to fool the other with our shallow sleep breathing? And the baby cried on...and on. What is it about baby crying that seems positively endless? Five minutes feels like fifty.

Here's something else I'll put in writing-I think I was a damn good mom for the teen years and I'm pretty good at parenting the young adults. I love being around my grown children and at 18 and 21 they still need to hear a parent's encouraging words and sometimes, as we say in our house, have a "come to Jesus" meeting when tough love is needed.

The parenting dance goes like this...when the sweet, cherubic face of the toddler evolves into the sullen mask of the teen, it's only natural that we switch up our tactics. As that teen becomes an adult, we think our parenting role is finished when, in fact, they may need us more than ever. Carpools, field trips, packing lunches and parent teacher conferences may be over but guiding them into and through adulthood has just begun.

Here's my open letter to my kids. It's a reinforcement of all that they've been taught. Let's face it, the stresses of adult life can overwhelm the best of us and guideposts are always welcome.

Shore up your foundation. If you're not happy with the real you-the person that the outside world never sees-you better put fixing yourself at the top of your to do list. The classical pragmatist George Santayna said "the loftiest edifices have the deepest foundations." It's your inner strength and your own strong foundation on which your dreams are built.

Be respectful of authority but respectfully disagree when someone tries to rain on your parade. The people who tell you it can't be done are not your friends. The skeptics will roll their eyes. Ignore them. You are the architect of your own destiny. Remodel. Expand. Add another story.

Put one foot in front of the other and you'll get there in your own time. Baby steps or great leaps, it doesn't matter as long as you've got forward momentum. If you're taking steps back in the form of a setback, and you can't summon the strength to reverse it now, then sit and be quiet for a moment or for a day. Sometimes it's best to do nothing more than breathe deeply. A clear head clears problems.

Don't let anyone tell you that it's wrong to question. You were given that brain by God. Seek your own truth. Don't be shackled by the beliefs of others. Find God in the mountains, music, a theater, a crowded city street or in a sanctuary. He's everywhere...especially in your heart. Spiritual journeys can take you to wonderful places. Follow your own path to enlightenment.

If you insist on a tattoo, remember that skin sags with age. Today's rose tattoo will be withered and wilted by the time you're in the nursing home.

Play nice in the workplace. Never be the bully in anyone's life. Remember the bullies from the sandbox? They're all grown up and making life hell for their coworkers. You can confront bad behavior without stooping to their lowly level. Refuse to retaliate and remember how it felt to be bullied. "Never take a person's dignity: it is worth everything to them, and nothing to you." Frank Barron said that. He was an astute thinker who spent many years studying the psychology of creativity. He's a great go-to guy for quotes, as well.

Always give credit where credit is due.

Trust your instincts when choosing who to let into your life. True friends are happy for your accomplishments and sad for your losses. A wide circle of acquaintances is a wonderful thing but you don't have to make everyone your best friend.

Embrace your creativity. Keep your passions alive and you'll live a better life. It's a simple concept but one that so many people find hard to grasp.

Most important of all, remember this-clouds lift, rain stops, and the sun will shine again. Life isn't perfect. Sometimes we get so caught up in our problems that emotion clouds our brains and we feel emotionally paralyzed. I feel compelled to say this, not because either of you have shown any signs of depression that would lead to suicide, but because I know how quickly and unexpectedly those signs can appear. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You are blessed with friends and family who love you.

Clinical Depression - How To Find A Treatment

In the past finding any information about clinical depression was very difficult, because of the stigma that came with any mental illness it was just not talked about and sufferers felt ashamed and embarrassed to even go and see their family doctor about their symptoms.

Nowadays, thank goodness, this is changing for the better. Mental health issues are beginning to be understood more and the majority of people no longer look on someone who has symptoms of a mental illness as "nutters" or "headcases". It has taken a long time but a mental "illness" is now being looked on as just that, an "illness" just like any other condition, physical or otherwise. We no longer get locked up for life in a mental asylum as our ancestors would have been.

A lot of people with symptoms of clinical depression now feel they can talk to family or friends about it without being embarrassed and without fear of ridicule.

The next step, if you feel you are suffering with clinical depression will be to see your family doctor as soon as possible so a correct diagnosis can be made. Remember, doctors see this condition every day and have hundreds of patients coming to them looking for answers and treatment, there is nothing to be afraid of or embarrassed about visiting the doctors surgery.

If your doctor feels you need further help he will refer you to the mental health team which will include psychiatrists, therapists, counsellors etc, if your condition is mild to moderate depression he may first try medication for a short term to see how you respond before deciding on further treatment.

In the age of the internet there are many thousands of places to find information about clinical depression. Educating yourself in this way is a good idea but do not take everything you see and read about as absolute fact, remember a lot of these sites have sprung up and the site owners have no education or experience in mental health. At the end of the day your doctor and psychiatrist have spent many years in medical school, training to be the best in their field so these are the people you need to take advice from regarding your health, mental or otherwise.

Your doctor or mental health team will decide on the best course of treatment for your individual symptoms, not everyone with clinical depression will have the same symptoms so every case must be dealt with differently.

Remember, it is an illness and it can be treated, so don't delay in seeing your family doctor.

穢 Andrew Tudor Jones

Depression Statistics and Their Correlation With Overcoming Depression

Depression takes a heavy toll on our lives. In the current era, almost every individual experiences symptoms of depression at some point in their life. Interestingly, causes of depression are varied. Some of them include genetic traits, escalating tensions, ever demanding work pressure, anxiety, stress and traumatic events happening in life such as an accident, death or divorce. In fact, the effect of depression on human life can be best understood by glancing through some of the depression statistics that are summarized below.

As per the records of the Commission on Mental Health, 1 out of every 7 Americans is seeking professional help and medical treatment for emotional disturbances. These numbers are just an approximate figure that the authorities had deduced through some statistical analysis. Actual figures seem to be much more than this. Interestingly, there has been no improvement in depression statistics over the last decade.  From this one can easily estimate the gravity of the problem. Other major facts about depression that one can deduce through these depression statistics are as follows:-

• Almost 9.5% of the U.S. population or 18 million Americans aged 18 and above are now suffering with various forms of depressive disorders including major depression, dysthymic disorder, and bipolar disorder. Interestingly, similar numbers were obtained even amongst residents of Australia and UK, suggesting that depression is a worldwide phenomenon.


• Nearly 3% of U.S population or 6 million adults are suffering with Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.


• Almost 30% of women are depressed at some point of their life. Also, depressive disorder and Clinical depression are two major forms of depression that have higher incidence in women. Ironically, the number of women suffering from these illnesses is twice when compared with the number of men suffering with the same symptoms.


• Increased rate of depression in teenagers and children is becoming a major concern. As per the available depression statistics, approximately 4% of adolescents get into depression. Also, the number of children suffering with depression symptoms is increasing at an alarming rate of 23% p.a.


• Approximately 80% of people experiencing depression and related symptoms are unable to figure out the causes of depression and are not even making any efforts for overcoming depression. The numbers are even higher when it comes to African-American males. In them, almost 92% individuals do not seek any medical treatment.


• Overcoming depression is extremely important. Depression, if left untreated, can turn chronic, where patients contemplate with the thoughts of self-annihilation and suicide. More than 90% people who commit suicide have been diagnosed with mental illness. Also, 15% of depressed people do commit suicide.


• If all the above facts are not alarming enough, then pay attention to this. By the year 2020, depression is predicted to be second biggest killer after heart diseases.

Depression often goes unnoticed and untreated. This is one of the main reasons behind the high numbers that are observed in depression statistics. Anti-depressants play a significant role inovercoming depression as they help in balancing the concentration of chemical messengers or neurotransmitters present inside the brain. One can even try treatments such as psychotherapy when suffering with mild to moderate symptoms of depression. Also, one must adopt positive perspective towards life and ensure that one leads a healthy, happy and active life.

By keeping these depression statistics in mind, one should get a greater understanding of the importance of early diagnosis. With just a little more research, you should be well on your way to helping yourself or your loved ones who may experiencing the symptoms of depression.

Health and Happiness Through Smile Therapy

When we smile, endorphins, serotonin and natural pain killers are released through our bodies. Studies have shown that people with manic depression can be completely cured with daily 20 minute sessions where the patient just sits and smiles! When we smile our body actually produces the physiology of happiness and health. Smiling lowers blood pressure and boosts immunity as well as reducing stress. this helps us to maintain health and energy throughout our day and hold a better mental perspective, which helps us with all the tasks we must accomplish each day.

So smiling...

• Produces more happiness hormones than chocolate


• Improves your appearance


• Cures depression


• Boosts immunity


• Greatly reduces stress


• Lowers blood pressure


• Greatly improves overall health

How to utilize the benefits of Smile Therapy

Pick a time during the day when you have some space. Maybe when you first wake up, or when you go to sleep or meditate. And smile and smile and smile. Smile until it becomes deeply real for you. Feel every cell of your body smiling. Do it for any time between 5 and 20 minutes. Try it out every day for 10 days. If it works for you, you'll have a wonderful new tool.

Spiritual Development

Smile Therapy is an incredible way to participate in the spiritual development of your being. When we elevate our moods and the vibration of our bodies and energy fields we affect everyone around us with this positivity. We are able to see the solutions to problems with ease, we promote harmony and grace in our relationships and in our lives.

Depression Over a Break Up - 5 Natural Ways to Alleviate Depression Over a Broken Heart

Depression can strike at any time, but it commonly occurs during major life transitions, such as the end of a relationship. Symptoms of depression can include persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety about the future, loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, and changes in sleeping patterns and appetite. It is challenging to let go of something old and embrace a different possibility in life, but it can be managed. For severe cases of depression, it may be necessary to take a pharmaceutical approach, but for many milder cases, natural treatments may be very effective in alleviating symptoms. Here are 5 natural methods to treat depression following a break up:

1. Eat well. It is important to take care of the body, as the health or the body impacts the health of the mind. As tempting as it may be to grab junk and comfort foods, try to focus your diet around fresh vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. Avoid highly processed foods and sugars. If you are struggling with your appetite, try carrying around high protein, healthy snack foods and eating small amounts throughout the day. If your tendency is to overeat, do not eat while distracted, i.e. in front of the TV. Try setting a time at night when you stop eating for the day.

2. Take supplements. Start with a good, food based multivitamin. If you do not eat a lot of calcium rich foods, take a calcium supplement. Try fish oil. Its many physical benefits include improved brain health. You may take 5 HTP (hydroxytryptophan), a natural antidepressant that is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is involved in mood regulation. L-Theanine is often taken in conjunction with 5 HTP and is a natural anti-anxiety supplement.

3. Implement an exercise regimen approved by your doctor. Cardiovascular exercise is ideal for treating depression. What you want is an activity that will elevate your heart rate and keep it up for a period of time. This allows for the release of the feel good compounds, endorphins, that elevate mood. An added bonus is better overall physical health and better body image. The ideal is 45 minutes of cardio activity 5 days per week, but don't avoid exercise if that seems too much for you. Any amount is helpful.

4. Talk it out. A good counselor is very helpful. Having a professional, unbiased person to offer you feedback and perspective on you and your past relationship can be invaluable. You will be better able to process the break up, as well as take valuable lessons forward into your future. Friends and family are also important to have close when you're depressed, to offer emotional support and help fill the time you used to spend with your partner.

5. Do one kind thing for yourself daily. Make a list of small things you enjoy doing. Each day, choose one thing off your list and do it for yourself. When you have exhausted that list, create a new one.