Anxiety and Depression Symptoms - 4 Ways it Effects the Psyche

Stress and anxiety can become a part of every day life as we deal with challenges at work and home. When these two aspects are combined, great psychological difficulties can occur. When left untreated, it is likely to escalate and manifest into severe deterioration of your mental well being. Here are some anxiety and depression symptoms and 4 ways it can effect your psyche.

Depersonalization
Depersonalization is a feeling of detachment, with the sensation of being separated from the situation, and sometime even feeling as though there is a separation from the body itself. You may feel as if you are 'unreal' and no longer exist as a person. You may even feel that you have become invisible and those around you are real, but you are not. Some describe it as feeling like a robot and no longer like a human being. Depersonalization tends to happen immediately after the onset of a panic attack, during an attack or with other severe anxiety symptoms. Once depersonalization has been experienced, it is likely that it will occur more frequently and will be triggered more easily.

Derealization
Derealization, like depersonalization is caused by a shift in the part of the brain that provides us with a 'real' awareness of our environment. This part of the brain is directly linked to the organ that is responsible for anxiety, the amygdala. In the case of derealization, that which seems to be unreal is your surroundings. At times, you may feel as if reality is no longer something you can fully grasp. You may even question the existence of things and wonder if life itself is a dream of some type. This symptom can be described as being inside a bubble or trying to see everything through a curtain or thick fog. However, as anxiety levels are reduced, derealization will also disappear.

Nightmares
Of all anxiety and depression symptoms, nightmares are not uncommon. Nightmares can be caused by excessive stress, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and certain medications such as antidepressants. They can be described as dreams in which terrible and traumatic events take place and can feel so real that some wake up feeling the physical symptoms of anxiety; sweating, rapid heart beats, tremors and fear. Some of the most common anxiety induced dreams are of falling, being chased, losing teeth and being naked in public.

Automatic Negative Thoughts
Automatic negative thoughts are a component of stress induced anxiety. They are the kind of thoughts that instantly follow a presented situation, such as a short notice meeting scheduled for the next day. Anxiety sufferers may automatically think that they won't be prepared for it and it will be a disaster, regardless of the meeting's importance or subject matter. Stress induced anxiety sufferers may additionally act on these thoughts unconsciously. For example, if one says that they will fail a test, then it is likely they will not study hard enough and fail the test.

Anxiety and depression symptoms can be seriously debilitating and wreak havoc on our lives. Not only do they effect us psychologically, they can do great damage to our physical and emotional well being. Fortunately, there is help for the depressed and anxiety stricken. If you or someone you know is affected with this condition, it is highly recommended to seek out the proper treatment in order to cope with these symptoms

Type 2 Diabetes and Knowing What Depression Symptoms Are

If you have type 2 diabetes you need to know what depression symptoms are so that you can effectively manage both and achieve a healthy normal life once more. Sadly diabetes and depression are conditions that are related to each other. With type 2 diabetes you are at a higher risk of getting depression.

It is important to realise that depression can become worse when the complications of diabetes get worse. When you become depressed it is harder to be able to manage your disease properly and if you are not careful it can lead to the development of long-term complications like neuropathy, retinopathy or nephropathy.

Many people do not realise they have depression and it can go undetected by yourself and your doctor, especially if you do not converse with your doctor about how you are feeling, depression is not something that is not easily visible to the next person.

Depression is where your everyday activities become too overwhelming and this can be dangerous if you have type 2 diabetes because you will not manage your disease properly, for instance not eating properly, not getting any exercise, and forgetting to take you medications. Fatigue is another problem and the lack of enthusiasm to do anything is a major problem. Your emotions with depression can become non-existent and can cause you anxiety, sadness and unfortunately even suicide.

Knowing what the symptoms are of depression is crucial for you to manage your diabetes effectively; following is a list to help you understand what it's all about:

• A feeling of sadness for long periods of time


• A feeling of being hopeless, worthless or even helpless


• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed


• Loss of concentration


• Unable to remember things like you used to


• A feeling of anxiety, restlessness for no reason at all


• Lack of a good night's sleep


• Loss of energy or fatigue, always being tired


• Loss of appetite, and


• Thoughts about suicide and death

It is advisable to consult your doctor if you feel you have depression, it can be treated with medication, however you need to make sure that it does not cause you any complications as some medications can pay havoc with your blood glucose levels.

Research has shown that people with depression will have less physical and mental functions, which can lead to not following their required diet or medication plans. This can lead to very serious problems when you have diabetes.

If you have type 2 diabetes it is essential that you know what the symptoms are for depression so that you can take control and avoid the complications that are associated with diabetes.

Five Signs That You May Be Bipolar

Chances are if you're reading this article, you think you or your loved one is bipolar. One can only know for sure if they have bipolar disorder by seeing a licensed medical professional. While awaiting medical help, you can view this list to see if you have some of the common bipolar symptoms.

Five signs that you may have bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression:

1. Experiencing mood swings. Mood swings are the most common symptom of bipolar disorder as it is known as a mood disorder. If you have mood swings going from down to happy and back again frequently, you could have bipolar disorder.

2. Having suicidal thoughts. If you have suicidal thoughts, you could be suffering from the depression side of bipolar disorder. If you have other symptoms as well as suicidal thoughts at times, you could have bipolar disorder.

3. Racing thoughts. In the midst of bipolar mania, racing thoughts are common. If you're feeling restless and as though you can't concentrate because your mind is racing, this could be a sign that you have manic depression.

4. Acting impulsively. Another symptom of bipolar mania is acting impulsively and without thinking things through. If you get more impulsive at times, sometimes to your detriment, you could be bipolar.

5. Lose of interest. When a person has bipolar depression, they sometimes lose interest in things they were once excited about. This includes hobbies, sex and relationships. If you find yourself in this situation without much explanation, consider talking with a doctor for a diagnosis.

After you've read these five signs, you may find that most of them fit what you're experiencing. I would like to reiterate that the best way to know you have manic depression is to see a qualified therapist.

Relaxation Techniques For Anxiety and Depression

Relaxation techniques are vital when you are suffering from depression or anxiety, reducing your levels of stress and chances of having a panic attack.

There are quite a few of them around and depending on severity of your mental problems you can either try them on their own or in combination with your antidepressant or anti-anxiety medications.

So, here are some of the ways to relax:

- Breathing technique. When we are born we are breathing correctly with our stomachs without giving any thought to it. As adults most of us use shallow breaths with our chests. Quickly test yourself by placing a hand onto your chest ad see if it's moving when you breathe. What should happen is when you breathe in your stomach expands and fills in with air, when you breathe out it goes back. Your chest shouldn't move much. This is familiar to people who do yoga or meditation. When you concentrate on your breathing this way, your body relaxes and let go of any tension. So, try breathing this way and counting to four, then count to two pausing, then four on breathing out and two pausing. It's difficult at first, you feel like there is not enough air, but give yourself a couple of minutes to get into this exercise and get into a routine of doing it once or twice a day for ten minutes, and in the end you feel much more relaxed and de-stressed.

- Progressive muscle relaxation technique. Again this is another way of controlling your depression or anxiety disorder by concentrating on intentionally tensing one muscle group for 10 seconds at a time, then relaxing it suddenly and giving yourself 10-15 seconds to feel the difference. If you do that ten to twenty minutes a day, you'll relieve some of the symptoms of depression like insomnia, fatigue, headaches, feeling of emotional numbness or lack of self-confidence.

- Meditation. I've already talked about brain waves and how meditation can alter them to reduce your depression or anxiety. Not only that, but it will lower your blood pressure and heart rate, and make you feel more positive and confident about yourself. There are even meditation techniques for anxiety and depression specifically, and they are worth checking out especially if you experience light or mild depression and anxiety. There are even studies which say that treating your depression with meditation helps to prevent a relapse!

Whatever you do, consult with your doctor first and don't give up on yourself, you will find something that works for you. And please share your experience with us.

Namaste!

Exercise Heals Depression and Stress

Why treat depression with antidepressants and other kind of medication when you can have better results by only exercising and performing regural physical activities? It's a fact that exercising solves various health related problems and also empowers your brain and your mental abilities. Thus helping you beat depressive emotions and stress.

I was passing by the APA's (American Psychology Association) website the other day and I came across various clinical studies mentioning that depression can be treated very effectively with regular exercise. In fact, these guys at APA recommend to all psychologists to put exercise in their top list and to recommend it to all their clients.

An interesting clinical study pointed out that not only exercise can beat severe depression, but it also helps stop depression from reappearing. The risk of depression and anxiety symptoms increases dramatically when people stop exercising. APA's Psychologists say that it doesn't really matter how much time you spend for exercise. What's really importand is that you exercise very regularly (e.g. once or twice a day).

Of course, people suffering from severe depression and anxiety should not just stop taking medicines or quit therapy and start exercising to cure their depression. But the benefits of exercising are enormous. According to the studies, if a person performs physical activities every day then the chances for the depressive symptoms to disappear are great.

But how can exercise beat depression?. You know that a lot of people pay a visit to the gym after a stressful day at work. Remember that rewarding and calming emotion after a good workout? I've felt it. I bet you've felt it too. Why is that happening? According to the researchers it's because exercise makes people happier and boosts their self-esteem. Now, if you're suffering from depression you definitely display lack of self-confidence and low levels of self-esteem. And that's where exercise really helps. By making you feel better for yourself and by giving you that feeling of accomplishment.

It's really simple if you think about it.

You don't need chemical antidepressants because regular exercise is your original, natural and effective antidepressant. The one that will relieve you from stress, anxiety and all depressive symptoms. Even if you suffer from severe depressive states you still have chances to beat depression only by exercising.

But there's a catch.

People tend to go too far with exercise and over perform. They become obsessive and exhausted. That's not a good thing when dealing with depression because you must always be strong enough to fight with yourself and your depressive symptoms. Exercise really drains your energy reserves and leaves you weak to face depression.

In order to survive this you have to be balanced. You have to take small steps one at a time. That's why it's importand to consult an expert before taking exercise to a point of self-abuse. Exercise does improve your mental health and can heal your depression but you have to do it right. And take it easy.

Let's go through some of the key benefits of exercise in the struggle against depression:

- Boosts your self esteem

- Eliminates sad feelings

- Promotes feelings of accomplishment

- Increases productivity

Consider the fact that 20 percent of the world's population suffers from various depressive states. Consider the fact that 50 percent of the world's population do not exercise at all. Most people suffering from depression are missing the number one natural and most effective antidepresant. Which is exercise.

Not to mention that exercise is also the cheapest antidepressant of all!

Depressive Disorders 101

We often hear the term "Depression" as it's frequently used to describe a mood or emotion. The joyless sadness of depression hardly needs description, so common is its part in the human condition. In technical terms it is described as a symptom of a syndrome or psychological disorder and only the duration separates the mood from the symptom. When this feeling of depression is present consistently for long periods of time it is considered a symptom of a depressive disorder.

There is a long tradition of categorizing depression into types, and there are a number of diagnostic schemes currently in use. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) has long been the predominant diagnostic framework used by psychologists and psychiatrists in North America now for several decades.
Major Depression

This is what people have in mind when referring to "clinical depression." When the symptoms of depression are present and significant for most of the day, at least, and for a minimum of 2 weeks, they may have a Major Depression. This category of depression is further divided into Major Depressive Disorder Single Episode and Recurrent subtypes.

Dysthymia

This is a generally milder, but more enduring type of depression. While Sufferers may not exhibit their symptoms every day, but rather on most days for a period of at least two years.

Bipolar Disorder

Formerly known as Manic Depression, in Bipolar disorder, individuals either alternate depressive lows with manic or hypomanic up-swings, or experience a so-called "mixed mood states" where they exhibit features of depression and mania at the same time.

Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

Formerly recognized as "reactive depression," this is a depressive response to a life stress that is more severe than expected for the type of stress experienced.

Seasonal Affective Disorder

Often discussed in the media as if it is a unique disorder, this is a variation of either depression or bipolar disorder where the episodes coincide with seasonal changes.

Psychotic Depression

This is a variation of Major Depression where, with increased severity, psychotic symptoms (e.g., hallucinations, delusions) are exhibited.

Post-Partum Depression

Another variation of Major Depression that is precipitated by childbirth in women. While not usually applied to men, a post-partum reaction among new fathers might be better accounted for as an adjustment disorder, or understood in terms of "separation anxiety."

While some are less affected by depression others may suffer greatly. We hope this article provided some insight about various disorders and if do suffer from any of these don't hesitate to a qualified professional for assistance.

Depression in Women: The Shocking Truth

Every year, more than 12 million women are diagnosed of clinical depression in the United States, and a lot of them remain untreated because depression methods are usually generic.

Though depression is a universal illness, it doesn't offer definite solutions. The healing approaches should be customized according to the needs of the sufferer, and women are completely different than men in this area.

Females are more prone to depression disorder than the males. One of the basic causes is hormones. Women and hormones have a very complex relationship. The latter can fluctuate before and during menstruation, as well as during and after pregnancy. The varying levels of hormone production can sometimes lead to changes in the brain chemistry. Thus, women often display some of the common signs of depression, such as irritability, fatigue, and mood swings.

The ladies are also more likely to develop hypothyroidism, a thyroid problem characterized by not enough production of hormones. One of the distinct symptoms of the illness is depression.

The medications women take can also affect hormonal production. These include oral contraceptives and gonadotropin stimulants, which are often taken by infertile women.

Culturally, a lot is expected from women. They should excel in their field in order to prove they're equal with men. They play a long list of roles, from being a mother to being a wife, friend, sister, and daughter.

It's the women who are often subjected to traumatic events, such as physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Most of all, the ladies are more sensitive. It's easy for them to get affected over something and carry the negative emotion for a very long time.

Types of Depression in Women

At least 1 in every 8 women goes through depression at least once in her life, and the illness comes in a variety of forms.

Women can suffer from postpartum depression, which kicks in after birth. She may also undergo dysthymia, a mild but longer-lasting type of depression. There's also the relationship between menopause and depression, and though men and women suffer from bipolar disorder or manic depression, the women have more depressive episodes than men.

Signs of Depression in Women

There's not much difference between depression in men and in women, except that the latter's symptoms are more noticeable and happen often.

Some of the symptoms of depression in women include lack of appetite, weight loss, lack of concentration, several or long episodes of sadness or loneliness, morbid thoughts, feeling of hopelessness and helplessness, and lethargy. Too much eating and sleeping, as well as weight gain, meanwhile, are known as atypical depression symptoms in women.

The Use of Subliminal Messages in Treating Women's Depression

There are a lot of treatments available to help manage or eliminate women's depression. One of these is subliminal messages.

The subliminal messages can change negative thinking to positive thinking. Affirmations like "I am filled with so much love for myself" and "I am grateful for every minute of the day" are powerful enough to alter a woman's perception of herself and her illness.

Further, subliminal messages or affirmations deal with the mind. As what people would say, what your mind thinks, your body acts. It is also safe to use along with conventional treatments such as medications.